On a personal level, this has been one of Bukayo Saka's toughest seasons at Arsenal, if not his toughest.
While he was cruelly robbed of a lot of football last term owning to a long-term hamstring injury, this campaign he has also struggled with fitness.
Saka-Arsenal
It's also been a struggle for form. Saka's goal against Fulham in the 3-0 win on Saturday was just his third since the early stages of December. It was the first time in 17 months that he had scored and assisted in the same Premier League game.
Yet, with the title on the line, the winger is coming alive at just the right time. He's hitting form just when it matters. It's huge for the club's chances of winning the league and Champions League.
That said, heading into the summer, one of the tasks is to find a new Saka, one who can play on the left wing.
Arsenal targeting big-money winger signing
One of the biggest issues facing the Gunners this season has been their lack of potency in attack. Viktor Gyokeres may have scored 21 goals in all competitions, but he has not received much help from the wide players, particularly on the left.
Gyokeres-Arsenal
It's why Andrea Berta and Co must push hard for the signing of a new winger. Fortunately, it looks like quite a few could be on the market.
Anthony Gordon is reportedly a primary target but they face intense competition from Bayern Munich for his signature. The chance to play abroad and essentially be guaranteed the Bundesliga title will no doubt appeal to him.
Another target is PSG's Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, although that one would seem unlikely given his form. The Georgian has 18 goals this season, ten of which have come in 14 Champions League matches. He's elite.
His form does, however, open an opportunity to prise away another of PSG's exciting forwards, Bradley Barcola.
That's according to a report from TEAMtalk, who note that with contract talks stalling in the French capital, Barcola's representatives are speaking to various clubs around Europe in a bid to resolve his future.
bradley-barcola-psg
Indeed, the player's camp have already spoken with the likes of Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester United to confirm that he could be available this summer.
That said, it's noted that Liverpool are the most attentive to the situation, knowing they need a replacement for both Mohamed Salah and the injury-stricken Hugo Ekitike.
Why Barcola could be another Saka for Arsenal
The biggest priority for Arsenal this summer must be finding a left winger version of Saka. After all, the largest problem position for Mikel Arteta in 2025/26 has been the left flank.
Saka-Arsenal-1
Gabriel Martinelli has dazzled in the cup competitions, so much so that he is Arsenal's second-top scorer this season with 11 goals. That said, only one of those strikes has come in the Premier League.
As for Leandro Trossard, he has not scored in his last 23 matches, yet to find the net in 2026. He did return to form last weekend, assisting Gyokeres' second goal and completing a career-best figure of six dribbles.
However, it should be the end of the road for both of them at the Emirates, particularly Trossard. In Barcola, they could sign a colossal upgrade, someone who could act as their new Saka, albeit from the opposing flank.
En route to Champions League glory last term, the 23-year-old scored 21 goals and supplied an equal number of assists across all competitions. Those are extraordinarily good numbers, elite numbers.
Barcola's output has slowed in 2025/26, scoring 12 and assisting seven, but he's played more limited minutes, hence his potential availability.
Celebrated as "one of the best wingers in the world" by Como scout Ben Mattinson, the Frenchman is a truly game-changing talent and could be just the player Arsenal are looking for in their attack.
Saka vs Barcola in 2025/26 - league stats
Stat (per 90 mins)
Goals
Shots
Shot accuracy
Assists
Chances created
Pass accuracy
Take-ons completed
Take-on success
Fouls won
Duels won
Fleet-footed like Saka, he leaves opposition defenders terrified when he gets running at them. He's a tricky customer to deal with and that's something Arteta simply hasn't had from the left flank this term.
Both elite in possession of the ball, they rank very closely for progressive carries. In Europe's top five leagues, Arsenal's number 7 ranks inside the best 15% of wingers in Europe for that metric. Barcola ranks among the best 13%.
PSG winger Bradley Barcola
They are also closely ranked for key passes in 2025/26. Saka sits among the top 3% of wingers for that stat, while PSG's French superstar is among the top 6%.
For too long now, Arsenal have needed a genuine world-class left winger. They have Saka on the right and in Barcola on the left, it could create a truly terrifying forward dynamic.
Bukayo-Saka-Arsenal Related
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