Arsenal
Mick Brown
Tue 20 May 2025 10:00, UK
Arsenal are set to step up their efforts to sign a “special” forward this summer after another frustrating season at the Emirates.
That is according to former Man United and Blackburn chief scout Mick Brown, who remains very well-connected within the game, as he exclusively told Football Insider that Mikel Arteta is not content with his current attacking options.
Bukayo Saka is seen as the only nailed-on starter under Arteta amid growing frustrations about the likes of Gabriel Martinelli, Leandro Trossard and Kai Havertz.
Following another second-placed finish in the Premier League, the boss wants to add more game-changers to his squad amid fears they have gone stale.
Football Insider revealed Arsenal are considering Real Madrid star Rodrygo among their possible transfer targets, while Rafael Leao and Anthony Gordon have also been linked.
The signing of a new winger has risen up their list of priorities in recent weeks, while a striker has also been a long-term target at the Emirates.
Bukayo Saka Arsenal
Bukayo Saka has been Arsenal’s standout player once again. (Credit: Imago)
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Arsenal plot move to sign ‘special’ Mohamed Salah competitor
Football Insider revealed that Arsenal planned to sign a “superstar” winger in January, but they were unable to get a deal over the line.
Brown, who has a wealth of experience in top-level player recruitment after over a decade at Man United during their most successful period, has now insisted that they want players to compete with the likes of Mohamed Salah and Erling Haaland.
“Mikel Arteta isn’t completely happy with what he’s got,” he told Football Insider.
“He wants to improve his squad, and particularly in attacking areas.
“In recent weeks they’ve really lacked that cutting edge going forward, they don’t look dangerous.
“Some of their players have been frustrating, the likes of Trossard, Martinelli, Havertz.
“That’s the thing about Arsenal, they’ve got these types of players who are good, but I’m not convinced they’re real top-level players.
“When you look at the likes of Liverpool and Man City, who have been the most successful clubs in recent years, they have players like Salah, Haaland, De Bruyne.
“Saka is the only one at Arsenal you could say is up there.
“So they want to bring somebody in during the transfer window who can bring something special, because that’s what they lack, they want this special type of player.”
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta
Mikel Arteta is aiming to improve his squad. (Credit: Hasan Karim, Breaking Media)
Rafael Leao update emerges after Gabriel Martinelli latest
As the Gunners prepare to step up their interest in attacking players when the window opens, AC Milan star Leao has become one of their key targets.
Brown told Football Insider on 18 May that Arsenal will step up their interest in Leao if Martinelli leaves the club amid Saudi Pro League interest.
Leao’s direct style and willingness to take on his man would lend a new dimension to an Arsenal side who have lacked a creative spark in the attacking third this season.
This comes after Brown told Football Insider that Arsenal are prepared to sell Martinelli if they can land a top-class replacement in the transfer market.
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