Arsenal’s pre-season continues to rumble on ahead of the Premier League’s return, with the small matter of Manchester City in the Community Shield before the opening match of the 2026/27 campaign against Coventry on 21 August. However, the main discourse surrounding the North London club is what might happen in the final weeks of the summer transfer window.
The Gunners held a huge interest in Vinícius Júnior, with the Real Madrid star in the final year of his contract at the Bernabéu. However, the Brazilian has since signed a four-year contract extension, leaving Mikel Arteta in need of a new target to improve the left-hand side.
Recently, reports have emerged that Arsenal hold an interest in Chelsea’s Pedro Neto, a player they had previously considered signing from Wolves in 2024. But there’s one thing in particular that is bugging fans about a move for yet another player from Stamford Bridge.
Does Neto move the needle for Arsenal?
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Since his move from the Black Country to West London, Neto has been solid but unremarkable. His two seasons have seen him notch nine goals and 12 assists in the Premier League, which doesn’t exactly scream that he’s a star of that Blues team.
With Chelsea also reportedly asking for £70 million, you would like to think that fee would get you a more consistent attacking player. There were also times last season when fans grew frustrated with Neto’s decision-making and his quality in possession, and there’s definitely concern that similar problems would lead to discontent inside the Emirates.
If Arsenal are after a quick winger who can beat a man, they are arguably better off keeping Gabriel Martinelli. The Brazilian is expected to leave this summer and fans can place wagers on his next club if they make the most of offers, such as in Canada where supporters can [claim the latest stake promo code](https://www.goal.com/en-ca/betting/stake-promo-code/blt214e7c8bf3f342dc). But Arteta might reconsider a sale as things stand.
However, there’s no question that a game-changing left-winger is what Arsenal need the most, someone who provides greater quality than either Neto or Martinelli. Should the Gunners wish to make a marquee signing before the window shuts on 1 September, they need to head to Turin.
Kenan Yıldız needs to be prioritised over Neto
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There are few left-winger options in world football currently more exciting than Kenan Yıldız. The Turkey international has ripped up Serie A since signing for Juventus in 2022, scoring a career-best 10 goals last season to put the Bianconeri in contention for a Champions League place.
Juve’s failure to qualify for Europe’s elite competition should give Arsenal an edge in talks with Yıldız, who will want to play at the highest level possible. And while recent reports suggest that the 21-year-old has been made “untouchable” by the Italians after he recently signed a new four-year deal, Arsenal have the budget to make a huge splash in the market. Should they bid over £100 million, then that could be enough to tempt Juventus into negotiations.
A front line of Yıldız, Bukayo Saka and one of Kai Havertz or Viktor Gyökeres is, no doubt, more exciting than having Neto playing off the left side of the trio. Arsenal need to be going after the best in class, not second-tier options, particularly if Arteta wants to dominate in the Premier League and Champions League for years to come.
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