Despite the massive influx of spending throughout the summer transfer window, Arsenal star Bukayo Saka still remains as one of the club’s key men in 2025/26.
The academy graduate has worked his way through the youth system, before cementing his place in the first team squad - racking up over 250 appearances for his boyhood side.
However, last season was one tarnished by injury for the 23-year-old, suffering a hamstring injury back in December that would see him miss nearly four months of Premier League action.
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The Englishman still managed to end the year on 25 goal contributions in his 37 appearances across all competitions - helping the side reach the Champions League semi-finals.
If the Gunners are to win England’s top-flight under Mikel Arteta’s guidance, he will need to be joined by numerous players at the Emirates - as seen by their attempts in the market as of late.
Arsenal’s hunt for reinforcements to help Saka
Despite £200m being spent this summer, Arsenal have made a move to land Bayer Leverkusen star Piero Hincapie over recent days - with Spurs also interested in the defender’s signature.
It’s been claimed that the player himself has already held talks with Arteta over a switch to the Emirates, and potentially been keen on a switch to England - but could cost around £52m to prise him away from the German outfit.
Arsenal-Hincapie
However, he’s not the only player currently in their sights, with Girona right-back Arnau Martinez another star they’re considering, according to one journalist.
He claims that the Gunners have made a €10m (£8.5m) offer to land the Spaniard, who made 40 appearances in 2024/25 - including five in the Champions League.
It’s currently unclear whether the player or his current employers are open to the move, but Arteta’s side appear to be making key moves for the youngster’s signature.
Why Arsenal’s latest target would be perfect for Saka
Whilst the new season is only two games old, winger Saka has already managed to impress for Arsenal - playing a role in the side being top of the table at present.
Bukayo Saka vs Leeds
The England international has already opened his account for the 2025/26 season, scoring in the recent outing against Leeds United - helping Arteta’s men claim a 5-0 victory.
However, his progress may appear to be halted after he limped off in the same game with a hamstring issue - an injury that massively restricted him in the previous campaign.
It’s unclear how long the winger will be sat on the sidelines for, but the manager will be hoping that it will only be fatigue and not another serious issue, given his previous struggles.
Upon his return to action, he could be handed a boost in his attempts for individual and team success - especially if the hierarchy land a deal for current target Martinez.
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Whilst the youngster is a full-back by trade, he’s managed to impress in possession over recent months, which could provide Saka with added opportunities in front of goal.
Martinez, who’s been labelled “complete” by talent scout Jacek Kulig, ranked in the 91st percentile for progressive passes (5.6) and the 92nd percentile for passes into the final third (5.3).
Arnau Martinez's stats for Girona in LaLiga (2024/25)
Statistics (per 90)
Games played
Goals & assists
Pass accuracy
Progressive passes
Passes into final third
Take-on success
Tackles made
Interceptions made
Recoveries made
Stats via FBref
Such numbers showcase the talent he possesses with the ball at his feet, subsequently being comfortable in possession - something which is a need in Arteta’s possession-based system.
However, given his defensive role, he also needs to be able to thrive out of possession - but that’s no issue, with Martinez displaying such talent in abundance.
He made 1.8 tackles per 90 in LaLiga last season, along with 1.1 interceptions made per 90, having the tools to add another option to the Gunners’ impressive backline, which has been the best in the division for the last two years.
If a deal can be agreed at the rumoured £8.5m fee, it would be another superb piece of business - especially given his tender age of 22, which could see him improve further in the years ahead.
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Such a deal would also benefit Saka massively, offering the youngster another opportunity to build on his impressive figures at the Emirates in the past few campaigns.