Arsenal are poised to strengthen their left wing department during this summer’s transfer window.
The Gunners currently have Leandro Trossard and Gabriel Martinelli as their left-wing specialists, but the former has been touted to leave this summer. Besiktas are weighing up a ‘serious offer‘ for the Belgian, while Inter Milan and Juventus are keeping tabs.
Martinelli’s future is likewise hanging in the balance. The Brazilian’s contract expires in June next year, similar to Trossard, but there is a 12-month extension clause. The Gunners may opt to keep the 24-year-old, provided a contract renewal is sorted.
Regardless, Arsenal desperately need a fresh solution on the left wing. Here are five possible candidates that the Gunners could target this summer.
Morgan Rogers – Aston Villa
The 23-year-old had a brilliant 2025/26 season with the Villans, scoring 14 goals and providing 12 assists. Nine of those goal contributions came as a left winger. Rogers primarily operated as an attacking midfielder last term, but has played more games as a left-sided winger during his career.
The Englishman likes to take on defenders with his raw pace and good dribbling skills. He has the knack of cutting inside from the left flank to score or create chances. His tendency to shoot from long range is something that Arsenal lack from out wide. We have already covered a detailed opinion on why he should be signed. It could take around £100 million to prise him away from Unai Emery’s side.
Bradley Barcola – Paris Saint-Germain
Paris Saint-Germain are currently exploring a transfer for RB Leipzig wonderkid Yan Diomande, a move that could coincide with Barcola’s exit. The Frenchman has two years remaining on his PSG contract and could pursue a new challenge, having been a regular substitute in big matches under manager Luis Enrique.
Barcola made a sublime 42 goal contributions in 2024/25, but his tally dropped to just 20 last campaign, having played second fiddle to Khvicha Kvaratskhelia on the left wing. Desire Doue likewise got the nod ahead of him on the opposite flank. Arsenal seem open to capitalising on any opportunity to land the Lyon graduate.
Marcus Rashford – Manchester United
The Red Devils graduate spent the previous season on loan with Barcelona, where he scored 14 goals and bagged 14 assists. The Catalan giants have the option to sign him for around £26 million by June 15, but they are only willing to pay £13m for his services, having recruited Anthony Gordon from Newcastle United recently.
Arsenal are one of the clubs prepared to bring him back to the Premier League this summer, and we believe the 28-year-old would be a no-brainer signing due to his track record and proven credentials in the division. The big stumbling block would be his stance as Sport claim that he is holding out for a return to Camp Nou.
Mika Godts – Ajax
If Arsenal consider a young winger with immense potential, the focus could turn to Ajax star Mika Godts. The Belgian ace played exclusively from the left wing for the Eredivisie giants last season. He contributed 17 goals and 15 assists from 44 appearances across all competitions.
The 21-year-old has exceptional dribbling skills and completed an average of almost three take-ons. He works hard off the ball too, with five duels won and four recoveries per outing. He is said to be ‘very open’ to joining the Gunners if an opportunity arises this summer.
Rafael Leao – AC Milan
The last on our list is Leao. The Portugal international has made it clear that he is prepared to pursue a ‘new chapter’ after seven seasons in Serie A. He ‘dreams‘ of moving to the Premier League this summer with Arsenal among his preferred destinations.
Leao played out of position as a second striker for Milan last term and made just 13 goal contributions. However, he was much better in 2024/25 with 25 goal involvements from the left wing. Despite this, we don’t see the Gunners making an approach.
The 26-year-old can be signed for a reasonable fee of around £43 million, but his poor defensive work rate and languid playing style off the ball are a big drawback. He is more of a luxury player and would not suit manager Mikel Arteta’s tactical demands.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com & Sofascore.com