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Arteta needs another winger | Getty Images
Arsenal have been handed a double boost as they look to end the summer in a strong place when it comes to wingers.
Mikel Arteta will be backed in a big way by the Arsenal board this summer, but the flipside is that the expectation on him to deliver that elusive Premier League title will be ramped up.
Arsenal have already added a couple of key pieces, but they are not done yet. Arteta needs a new striker, winger and centre-back, in particular, with depth needed at the top end of the pitch. It was clear the Gunners needed another striker last season, and they were also sorely lacking depth out wide, with Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli effectively unchallenged for starting roles out wide.
Leandro Trossard is an option, but it’s no secret that Arteta sees Saka and Martinelli as his most dangerous wide players, and more competition is needed for a team that wants to be a title contender.
There has been talk of Martinelli moving on amid reported interest in Chelsea’s Noni Madueke. Few can afford the Brazilian, but some fans were concerned when reports emerged of Saudi Arabian club Al Nassr reportedly holding an interest.
But Fabrizio Romano says those reports are wide of the mark, while also clarifying that the Saudi club are not in the market for reported Arsenal target Rodrygo. He posted on X: “Reports on Rodrygo and Al Nassr are wide of mark, same as Gabriel Martinelli. Al Nassr are working on different targets and for different budget, not crazy expenses. Rodrygo’s focus is only on European football.”
Given Arsenal need to add depth out wide, it wouldn’t make much sense for them to sell Martinelli at this point, and if they were to do so, it would likely be for a very big fee. As for Rodrygo, he would be one of the most expensive wide options the Gunners could go after.
The Brazilian is likely to cost well over £70million this summer, and that’s if he goes. The wideman has made it clear he would prefer to stay at Real Madrid. Arsenal look more likely to pursue a deal for Madueke at this stage, likely to be able to get that deal done for around £50million.
Although, the Gunners also have other considerations, needing to sign a striker and a centre-back, while they also need to agree a new contract for Ethan Nwaneri. The 18-year-old is not going to be impressed if offers continue to be lower than what he wants while Arsenal go out and splash tens of millions on a new player in his position.
Arsenal might be wise to get a deal done for Nwaneri first, even if they can’t get away from the fact they will need another winger. Eberechi Eze has also been linked, but his best position is arguably the number 10 role.
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