{"id":1388805,"date":"2025-06-18T11:49:39","date_gmt":"2025-06-18T10:49:39","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/?post_type=features&p=1388805"},"modified":"2025-06-18T11:49:51","modified_gmt":"2025-06-18T10:49:51","slug":"arsenal-transfer-targets-wingers-rodrygo-nico-williams","status":"publish","type":"features","link":"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/features\/arsenal-transfer-targets-wingers-rodrygo-nico-williams\/","title":{"rendered":"Arsenal transfer analysis: The elite left-winger options the Gunners can chase this summer"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Arsenal are preparing to ramp up their pursuit for a truly elite left-winger this summer.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n

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Arsenal are eager to sign a player that can replicate Bukayo Saka\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Mikel Arteta\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n\n\n

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    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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    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.<\/p>\n\n\n

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    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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    “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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    “But I just admire his journey and now he\u2019s recognised rightly as a top player – unbelievable.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    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 \u00a360 million — questionable defensive commitment and worries over attitude and teamwork give the Gunners reason to pause before pulling the trigger on the Portuguese dynamo.<\/p>\n\n\n

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    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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Given Williams doesn\u2019t 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 \u00a351 million and him apparently wanting around \u00a3200,000 a week. Despite Williams’ remarkable talent, Arsenal appear focused on proven production at the highest level as they look to triumph now. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    But Williams\u2019 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.<\/p>\n\n\n

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    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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    This leaves Real Madrid livewire Rodrygo, with a reported fee in the region of \u00a367m. 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    But Arsenal will need to choose wisely where they\u2019ll 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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The hunt rolls on.<\/p>\n\n\n

    Read more:<\/strong><\/h3>\r\n