Arsenal’s progress under Mikel Arteta has been clear. They have become a side that dominates possession, presses with structure, and maintains the strongest defensive record in the Premier League. Yet finishing second for three seasons in a row underscores a gap in cutting edge, particularly in attack. Scoring more goals is the clear frontier, and adding a left-wing option who can rotate with or complement Gabriel Martinelli could be decisive.
Four candidates stand out: Real Madrid’s Rodrygo, Atalanta’s Ademola Lookman, Milan’s Rafael Leão, and Bournemouth’s Antoine Semenyo. Each brings a different statistical and stylistic profile, and each would offer Arsenal something unique.
Rodrygo – Profile & Fit
Data review
Rodrygo’s numbers paint the picture of a highly technical wide forward. In the 2024–25 La Liga season, he averaged 0.22 NP xG and 0.27 non-penalty goals per 90, alongside 0.23 assists. He produced 158 open-play key passes and carried the ball into dangerous zones with 3.38 deep completions. His dribble success percentage surpassed even Kylian Mbappé and Vinícius Júnior over a three-year window, which underscores his ability in 1v1 scenarios. Passing efficiency sits high at 1.08 relative index, with progressive passes at 3.15 per 90.
Rodrygo’s defensive metrics are lighter, with 3.65 defensive actions per 90 and low aerial involvement. His profile is almost entirely tilted toward attacking contribution and progression through dribbles and combinations.
Rodrygo’s 2024/25 La Liga radar shows strong ball progression and dribbling output, paired with solid chance creation, though his defensive metrics rank lower compared to other left wingers. Data and visualization by Cannon Stats, sourced from Opta. Created August 19, 2025.
Technical and tactical profile
Rodrygo is a right-footed winger who excels from the right but has operated across the front line. His standout qualities are ball carrying, 1v1 ability, and the unpredictability of attacking both inside and outside. He can release the ball late, breaking defensive lines with disguised passes, and strikes well with both feet. His acceleration allows him to use simple knock-and-run moves to exploit space, and his balance when shifting onto his left keeps defenders guessing.
His versatility has been evident: operating as a traditional right winger supporting Benzema, later as a central forward before Mbappé’s arrival, and now as part of a fluid front three with Mbappé and Vinícius. The adaptability to switch between wide and central zones is a major asset.
Arsenal fit
Within Arsenal’s positional play, Rodrygo’s ability to hold width, attack 1v1, and combine in tight spaces would align with how Martinelli operates from the left. Arsenal often require their wide forwards to pin full-backs while offering progression on transitions. Rodrygo thrives in both scenarios. His intelligence in movement could open space for overlaps from full-backs like White or Timber, while his ability to pass inside on the front foot would connect with runners such as Ødegaard or Havertz.
Defensively, he is less aggressive than Arteta’s current forwards. Arsenal’s system relies heavily on collective pressing and winning high turnovers, and Rodrygo contributes less in interceptions and tackles compared to other candidates. Still, his attacking efficiency could make him the most direct stylistic replacement for Martinelli, with the added benefit of central versatility.
Ademola Lookman – Profile & Fit
Data review
Lookman’s 2024–25 season with Atalanta has been exceptional. He posted 0.46 NP xG per 90 with 0.55 NP goals, leading this comparison group for end product. His 2.74 shots per 90 are the highest here, matched with 16 open-play key passes. He has been a constant presence in advanced areas with 4.57 deep completions and 11.26 deep touches per 90.
Progressive carries sit at 9.23, supported by 8.44 progressive passes received, both among the strongest outputs. His pressing work is balanced, with 2.96 defensive actions per 90.
Ademola Lookman’s 2024/25 Serie A radar highlights his strong shot volume, goal output, and excellent ball progression, making him one of the most dangerous direct wingers in Europe, though his defensive contribution is relatively low. Data and visualization by Cannon Stats, sourced from Opta. Created August 19, 2025.
Technical and tactical profile
Lookman is a left-sided forward who thrives in 1v1s and has the adaptability to drift centrally or deeper to link play. His finishing variety is a standout quality, ranging from poacher’s finishes in the box to long-range strikes and penalties under pressure. His hat-trick in the Europa League final against Leverkusen showcased his ability to deliver in high-stakes matches.
He is industrious, pressing aggressively and tracking back, while showing maturity in his off-ball runs. For Nigeria, he has become a key attacking outlet, scoring vital goals in AFCON competition.
Arsenal fit
Lookman’s statistical profile aligns tightly with Arsenal’s need for more goals from wide areas. His ability to create and finish chances would relieve pressure on Saka and Ødegaard to carry scoring load. His pressing energy would also fit Arteta’s collective approach, offering intensity on the left that Martinelli has sometimes lacked in consistency.
His ceiling may be slightly lower than Leão or Rodrygo in terms of raw individual talent, but his immediate impact potential is higher. Arsenal need proven output, and Lookman has been producing both domestically and in Europe.
Rafael Leão – Profile & Fit
Data review
Leão’s data reflects an elite ball progressor. In 2024–25, he averaged 0.32 NP xG and 0.30 NP goals, with 2.0 open-play key passes per 90. His 2.83 deep completions and 8.16 deep touches place him among the most advanced wingers. The standout metric is 8.57 progressive carries per 90, backed by 2.23 dribbles completed.
His defensive involvement is lower, at 2.15 actions per 90, and his aerial contribution is moderate (0.86 won per 90). The profile tilts toward elite progression and creativity but less toward pressing contribution.
Rafael Leão’s 2024/25 Serie A radar showcases his elite ball progression, dribbling, and chance creation from the left wing, balanced by moderate goal output and limited defensive activity. Data and visualization by Cannon Stats, sourced from Opta. Created August 19, 2025.
Technical and tactical profile
Leão is a dynamic left winger whose explosive pace and dribbling make him one of Serie A’s most dangerous wide players. He thrives in space, attacking directly and often destabilising defensive structures through chaos runs. His ability to play as both creator and finisher gives Milan flexibility.
He is less consistent in his final product compared to Lookman, and his pressing work is less intense. But when given the freedom to attack, he can dominate matches almost single-handedly.
Arsenal fit
Leão mirrors Martinelli stylistically but on a higher ceiling. He can stretch defences, drive into space, and provide a constant outlet for transition. In Arteta’s system, he could give Arsenal the unpredictability that Clark highlighted as missing last season. His runs create chaos, pulling defenders out of shape and opening space for midfielders like Ødegaard to exploit.
The trade-off is defensive intensity. Arsenal’s system requires buy-in across the front line, and Leão would represent a compromise in pressing volume. Yet his elite ball progression could be exactly what Arsenal lack in certain matches where breaking low blocks has been a struggle.
Antoine Semenyo – Profile & Fit
Data review
Semenyo’s statistical profile is unique. He has taken 116 shots in the league this season, level with Mohamed Salah, averaging 3.7 per 90. He is two-footed in both shooting and dribbling, splitting output almost evenly between left and right. His pressing metrics are exceptional: 1.5 blocked passes per 90 and 33 possessions won in the attacking third, the highest in the league.
While his xG and finishing output are less consistent — only 4 goals from 15 big chances — his pressing contribution is unmatched. He also offers strong hold-up play, receiving long passes and winning aerial duels, enabling Bournemouth to bypass pressure.
Antoine Semenyo’s 2024/25 Premier League radar highlights his aggressive defensive work rate, high shot volume, and two-footed threat, balanced against less consistent chance creation in possession. Data and visualization by Cannon Stats, sourced from Opta. Created August 19, 2025.
Technical and tactical profile
Semenyo is an all-action wide forward who thrives in pressing systems. His anticipation allows him to intercept passes high up, and he transitions instantly into direct runs or passes into the box. His two-footedness gives him flexibility to attack inside or outside, making him difficult to predict.
The limitation remains his end product. He is urged to shoot more and can create space for teammates, but his conversion rate lags behind the elite. Still, this is only his second full top-flight season, and his upside is significant.
Arsenal fit
Within Arsenal’s pressing structure, Semenyo would fit seamlessly. His ability to win possession high up would create exactly the kind of fast-break situations Arteta’s side need to increase. His versatility to play across the front line and even in a pressing forward role would expand squad options.
His weakness is finishing consistency. Arsenal already face challenges with converting chances, and signing another attacker with low efficiency could limit overall improvement. Still, his pressing and directness would raise Arsenal’s intensity levels.
Comparative Take
Each candidate offers a distinct profile:
Rodrygo: Technical, versatile, excels in 1v1s and combinations, less pressing intensity.
Lookman: Proven end product, adaptable, hard-working, pressing-friendly, immediate impact potential.
Leão: Elite progression and chaos runner, highest ceiling, weaker in pressing intensity.
Semenyo: Pressing monster, two-footed, volume shooter, inconsistent finisher but disruptive presence.
From a statistical standpoint, Lookman leads in xG, goals, and advanced touches, showing consistent output. Leão leads in progression and dribbles, giving Arsenal a true chaos factor. Rodrygo offers the most complete technical package, with versatility across the front line. Semenyo ranks highest in pressing and defensive contribution.
Final Recommendation
Arsenal’s search for a left-sided forward comes down to what the team needs most to finally bridge the gap from contenders to champions. Rodrygo offers elite technique and versatility, but his lighter defensive output leaves a question within Arteta’s pressing structure. Leão has the highest ceiling as a chaos runner and ball progressor, yet his inconsistency out of possession creates a tactical trade-off. Semenyo would bring relentless pressing and physicality, though his finishing record makes him a less reliable option at the highest level.
Lookman brings the best balance of these profiles. He delivers a consistent goal return, unlike Semenyo, while contributing the defensive work that Rodrygo often lacks. Compared to Leão, he offers fewer moments of raw chaos but far greater reliability across a full season. His scoring record and pressing intensity align directly with Arsenal’s current needs.
For a side already built on control and defensive security, the clear priority is a forward who can add goals without disrupting structure. By providing end product, versatility, and intensity off the ball, Ademola Lookman stands out as the forward most likely to raise Arsenal’s attack to the level required for a title push.