Arsenal are preparing to ramp up their pursuit for a truly elite left-winger this summer.
The Gunners know how transformative bolstering this area could be in their quest for silverware next season. While the likes of Gabriel Martinelli, Leandro Trossard and even Gabriel Jesus have showcased their worth on countless occasions, the club appear intent on adding more star power and consistency to the position.
Buy Arsenal's 2025-26 home kit through the Squawka Shop
Click the image above or this link to buy the new 2025-26 Arsenal home kit through our Squawka Shop.
Arsenal are eager to sign a player that can replicate Bukayo Saka’s exceptional output on the right flank, aiming to achieve greater balance and become a more dangerous attacking force from both sides. The main aim is to make their offensive play less predictable and significantly more potent.
Moreover, bringing in someone capable of stretching the pitch and generating regular goalscoring opportunities for themselves and others would enhance Arsenal’s ability to unlock compact defences.
Mikel Arteta’s desire to get that end product as well as intelligent movement in any incomers will be key too. Any ideal candidates will need to be able to embark on calculated runs in behind and into the box, rotate centrally with fluidity, and dovetail crisply with the full-backs and midfielders.
Dabble sign-up offer: Get a £10 free bet no deposit required
New customers can get a £10 free bet without depositing into their account with excellent new bookmaker Dabble.
- Go to Dabble using this link.
- Click 'Download Now' to download the app.
- Create your account within the app.
- £10 free bets will be credited following registration.
- Your bet must be wagered 1x at min odds of 1/2 (1.5) to be valid.
New customers only. Free Bets credited following registration. Must be wagered 1x at min odds of 1/2 (1.5). 7-day expiry. Stake not returned. Full T&Cs apply. 18+. Gambleaware.org
Acquiring a dribbling wizard is inherently vital. Arteta will not only want a winger that engages defenders one-on-one, attracts multiple markers and can threaten in transition, but one who also draws fouls in advantageous positions, enabling Arsenal to maximise their set-piece strength.
A host of heavy hitters have already been linked that meet the criteria pretty well. Rodrygo, Rafael Leao, Nico Williams and Ademola Lookman have all been mentioned as Arsenal cast their net across Europe to find the optimal solution.
To start with Atalanta ace Lookman, the Nigerian distinguishes himself statistically among the above targets by leading for goals per 90 minutes at 0.60 in 2024-25, shots (2.40 per 90) and conversion rate (25%). He also created the most chances (2.4 per 90) and completed the most crosses (1.6 per 90). Indeed, this mix of characteristics has unsurprisingly seen him establish himself as one of the best wide players in Europe.
“I hope we can buy him, Arsenal. I would love someone like him to come back to the Premier League and say, ‘Listen, I have unfinished business here, so I am going to help Arsenal win the league’,” Ian Wright recently said of the 2024 African Footballer of the Year.
“But I just admire his journey and now he’s recognised rightly as a top player – unbelievable.”
Leao also leads the way in many attacking metrics. His shooting accuracy sat at 64.44% in 2024-25, alongside 30.91% crossing accuracy. In terms of creativity, Leao provides 0.4 assists per 90 minutes, 0.4 through balls per 90 and he also won 2.1 fouls per 90. But his hefty price tag — estimated at £60 million — questionable defensive commitment and worries over attitude and teamwork give the Gunners reason to pause before pulling the trigger on the Portuguese dynamo.
Rodrygo and Martinelli notably hold their own by the numbers too. Martinelli ranked second in goals per 90 in 2024-25 at 0.4, as well as conversion rate (20%) and shot accuracy (62.5%). Meanwhile, Rodrygo impresses with his 2.30 take-ons per 90, a 51.58% take-on success rate, 2.3 chances created per 90 and 1.8 fouls won.
Given Williams doesn’t hit the heights statistically going forward aside from topping take-ons completed, he might be lower on the list — especially with his release clause at £51 million and him apparently wanting around £200,000 a week. Despite Williams’ remarkable talent, Arsenal appear focused on proven production at the highest level as they look to triumph now.
But Williams’ defensive strengths could work in his favour. He led the others for ball recoveries (4.4 per 90), tackles made (1.3 per 90), duels contested (15.6 per 90), ground duels contested (14.3 per 90) and ground duels won (6 per 90) in 2024-25.
Even though it’s hard to identify a clear-cut winner in these left-wing options, Lookman and Leao standing out offensively. This comes despite their ages (27 and 26 respectively) giving them minimal sell-on value, and previous tensions with their current clubs raising concerns.
This leaves Real Madrid livewire Rodrygo, with a reported fee in the region of £67m. The Brazilian is keen to operate in his preferred post on the left and wants to be a starter, which makes him a very viable target.
But Arsenal will need to choose wisely where they’ll allocate their funds, as any decision is certainly easier said than done. Still, the Gunners remain determined to find the right profile to help propel them to glory in the 2025-26 campaign.
The hunt rolls on.