Aston Villa FC v Arsenal FC - Premier League 2026/27
Mikel Arteta can still add to his squad (Image: Getty)
It wasn’t the end of the transfer window that a lot of Arsenal fans would’ve been hoping for. Having secured the signatures of Christos Tzolis, Bruno Guimaraes, and Ezri Konsa, the Gunners entered the final week of the window on the lookout for a new forward addition.
This was in lieu of Gabriel Martinelli’s proposed transfer to Saudi Arabia, with Malick Fofana having emerged as a late candidate to sign for the club. However, the hierarchy decided against pushing forward with a move for the Belgian forward, with Sunderland swooping in instead.
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The plan appears to be Eberechi Eze and Tzolis on the left-hand side of attack, but there is a feeling Arsenal might’ve left themselves short in that area. The good news for them is that they can still make signings from the free agent market, should they deem it necessary. As such, we’ve picked out five names for them to look at…
By far the biggest name on the list of free agents is Jadon Sancho, and if Arsenal wanted to add depth, they might think about taking a look at the Englishman. After loans at Chelsea and Aston Villa, Sancho’s contract at Manchester United expired in the summer, leaving him without a club.
Talk about Premier League experience! Riyad Mahrez won five league titles during his time with Manchester City, and while he might be 35 years old, if it’s cover in forward areas that they’re after, Mahrez on a short-term contract could fit the bill.
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Jadon Sancho of Aston Villa FC lifts the trophy during the
Jadon Sancho is currently a free agent (Image: Getty)
Speaking of which, Wilfried Zaha is also without a club as things stand. The former Crystal Palace man has spent the last few years in MLS, but currently finds himself as a free agent heading into the 2026/27 campaign. He’s perfectly adept off the left-hand side and could provide a body for Mikel Arteta and co.
It’s 11 years to the month since Anthony Martial lit up Old Trafford on his United debut, but after a series of failed attempts to revive his career, is scratching around without a club. It would be quite the punt, but it could be worth a go nonetheless.
And finally, Stephan El Shaarawy’s time at Roma ended with the left-winger scoring the goal that secured them Champions League football. It’s hard to believe he is still only 33 years old, but could he be the answer to Arsenal’s lack of depth at left wing?