Martin Zubimendi is through the door; Viktor Gyokeres is Mikel Arteta’s new line-leader for the foreseeable future and Noni Madueke has been signed to be Bukayo Saka’s deputy. It’s been a pretty decent transfer window for Arsenal, hasn’t it?
On the surface, yes, but there is still a glaring issue to solve before the summer transfer window slams shut in September – and that’s the left-wing position. Leandro Trossard and Gabriel Martinelli are Mikel Arteta’s current options – but neither cut it.
The three options that have been earmarked are AC Milan speedster Rafael Leao, Crystal Palace figurehead Eberechi Eze and Rodrgyo of Real Madrid and Brazil. But which of the three makes the most sense for the Premier League side?
Rafeal Leao – AC Milan
AC Milan’s Rafael Leao has been one of world football’s hottest properties in recent seasons – his trickery, sheer pace and guile on the left wing have made the 26-year-old highly sought-after. Goalscoring may not be his forte (he scored just eight goals in Serie A in 2024/25), but that wouldn’t be an issue given he is such a constant outlet.
Leao’s undeniable speed allows him to make space for himself and others, while his physical prowess – punctuated by his 6’2″ frame, which is unusual for a winger – means that defenders know they are in for a rough ride when standing nose-to-nose with the former Sporting CP talisman.
A brilliant runner with the ball, too, Leao would provide any future employer with a constant threat on the left. That club (this summer, at least) just won’t be trophy-chasing Arsenal. According to Fabrizio Romano, the Portuguese winger – who has a total of three years left on his San Siro contract – is set to stay at AC Milan this summer. In fact, the journalist insisted that he’d never been an option for Arteta and Co.
Eberechi Eze – Crystal Palace
What has made Eberechi Eze such an attractive option for Arteta is that he’s Premier League-proven and, as a result, would take zero to little time to adapt to the hardened approach of those in England’s top division. The fact that he is no stranger to playing against the likes of Manchester United, Chelsea and Newcastle United, however, would have added something of a premium to his price tag – and his employers will be well aware of the influx of cash they could pocket from his sale.
Although Eze, who has been capped 12 times by England, can operate as a left-winger, he prefers to play in the central hub – and that is a position that Arsenal are already stacked in: club captain Martin Odegaard, Ethan Nwaneri – who recently signed a new, five-year deal with the club – and Max Dowman.
Romano also reported on GIVEMESPORT’s Market Madness Podcast on Tuesday that Thomas Frank’s Tottenham Hotspur are now considered to be the frontrunners for Eze’s signature. His talent, of course, wouldn’t go amiss at Arsenal – but signing an out-and-out winger would be more wise given they are hoping to usurp Liverpool as champions of the Premier League this season.
Rodrygo – Real Madrid
For team that has endured a second-placed Premier League finish in back-to-back-to-back campaigns, Real Madrid outcast Rodrygo is the best option for the north London outfit. The ex-Santos wonderkid is reportedly considering a Santiago Bernabeu departure in the coming weeks, and he’s got no shortage of would-be buyers for England’s top flight.
That said, the fact that Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City are also courted as keen admirers of the Brazilian, Arteta – who is widely regarded as one of the best managers in the world of football – and his entourage will need to act fast if they are not willing to risk the prospect of losing him.
Los Blancos’ left-wing wonder is often forgotten about given the star-studded nature of Xabi Alonso’s side – the likes of Vinicius Jr, Jude Bellingham and Kylian Mbappe often hog the plaudits – but don’t let that cloud your judgement! The blend of his devastating change of pace and fleet-footed nature make him such a nuisance to play against – and he’d have lots of fun stretching Premier League defences. He, without a doubt, should be the club’s primary target.
