"But if you look at Arsenal's bench today, you know Ben White started with Calafiori, and Lewis-Skelly last season was outstanding and Timber – he [Arteta] can change the full-backs now and not affect the team. The quality doesn't go down, so that would help him as long as everyone stays fit throughout the season.
"Merino, the impact he had, Madueke come on – although I prefer Madueke on the right-hand side rather than the left. I just look at that position on the left-hand side and think if they could sort that. When they were linked with Rodrygo, that could solve a lot of problems for them.
"But yeah, nevertheless, it's a massive win away from home, and it just gives you the momentum that you need for the start of the season."
Rodrygo's role has been reduced at Real Madrid and he's been linked with theGunners throughout the summer transfer window. Real manager Xabi Alonso gave the 24-year-old just one start during the FIFA Club World Cup, while previous boss Carlo Ancelotti also failed to make the forward a priority last campaign.
With Tottenham Hotspur appearing to edge closer to securing Arsenal's alternative attacking option, Eberechi Eze, Rodrygo remains the most frequently mentioned replacement. But despite the north London outfit being among numerous Premier League clubs pursuing the young Brazilian, Alonso confessed he is "counting on everyone" this year at Madrid.
Right now, Rodrygo is among the six forwards that the Madrid manager has selected to face Osasuna at the Santiago Bernabeu on Tuesday evening - though this doesn't ensure a spot in the starting lineup.
Should the 24-year-old be considering a potential exit from the Spanish giants for increased regular first-team action, then Arteta might prove the ideal figure to lure him to the Premier League this year. Madrid value Rodrygo at around £86million (€100m), and are said to be open to letting the player leave if he wishes to do so.
As the transfer window doesn't shut until September 1, Arsenal have time to negotiate and find their perfect star man on the left, whether that be Rodrygo or someone else. Meanwhile, they could also offload further fringe players, such as Fabio Vieira, to boost their budget and make space in the squad.
Arsenal have already strengthened their attacking options this season, with Viktor Gyokeres and Madueke both arriving. However, Richards reckons that if Arsenal want a shot at Premier League glory, then they'll need to either secure someone like Rodrygo or pinpoint another left forward talent to bolster this new campaign.
Co-host Gary Lineker is sure that Arsenal will get another opportunity at title success if they maintain their current form, without losing any players through injury. Following Richards' plea for a left attacker, Lineker said: "Yeah, if Gyokeres does hit it off, they [have a chance].
"That's added to the fact that they now look like they've got a bit more strength in depth, and if they can avoid perhaps one or two of the big injuries they had last season – most notably Odegaard and Saka, and then Havertz towards the end of the season – then you know, they'll have a real chance."
The Gunners will host newly promoted Leeds United at the Emirates Stadium in their first home match of the 2025/26 season. Kick-off is scheduled for 5.30pm on Saturday.