Signing a new centre forward is Arsenal’s most urgent piece of business this summer. But bringing in another outstanding winger is something on Mikel Arteta’s mind as he plots another Premier League title challenge next season.
Bukayo Saka’s relentless form over the last five seasons has perhaps masked the need for further reinforcements in wide areas.
The England international missed three months of action last term after he was forced to undergo hamstring surgery with the visible scarring left on his right leg perhaps a reminder that greater care must be taken with the 23-year-old going forward.
Over on the left, Leandro Trossard and Gabriel Martinelli have shared duties. With neither quite doing enough to make the position their own over the course of a season, there is room for someone else to come in.
Injuries battered the squad last season; adding to the group is essential. Whichever wide man does come in, playing on the left while also offering some respite for Saka on the right will be a requirement.
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Nico Williams is admired in north London but the Spain international is now on the brink of leaving Athletic Club for Barcelona.
Chelsea’s Noni Madueke has emerged as another option – perhaps not a popular one among supporters looking for an A-list arrival.
Rodrygo the blockbuster signing to bridge title gap
Rodrygo would certainly fit that billing. The Real Madrid star is currently with the Los Blancos squad at the Club World Cup and despite Xabi Alonso’s underlining his intention to keep him in the Spanish capital, his future is still not resolved.
Arsenal are prepared to be patient with the 24-year-old who has racked up over 250 appearances at the Santiago Bernabeu. A reported price tag of £76millon seems fair in the current market and one the Gunners could surely afford.
Often the forgotten man among the leading cast of Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Jr and Jude Bellingham, Rodrygo could find a new home in north London. And as Wesley Sneijer, Arjen Robben and Mesut Ozil have demonstrated over the years, there is life after Real if things do not go to plan.
The majority of Rodrygo’s football last season for Real came on the right – the role Saka occupies at the Emirates. But it is on the left where he feels most at home.
Six of his 14 goals this season (along with six assists) were scored when starting from the left during the 2024-25 campaign – with that haul coming in just 12 appearances in that position. The presence of countryman Vinicius Jr seldom allows for it but when given the chance, Rodrygo has been at his best in a natural role on the left.
But his versatility will no doubt appeal to Arteta having also taken up a role through the middle under Carlo Ancelotti almost exclusively during the 2023-24 campaign.
Cutting in from the left and unleashing shots with his favoured right foot is one of his most devastating tools. But as he demonstrated against Atletico Madrid in the Champions League in March, he is equally lethal coming in from the right and shooting on his left.
While not prolific, Rodrygo’s output has been consistent. A haul of 13 goals and 11 assists in all competitions last season – six and five in La Liga – is a slightly smaller return than a career-best contribution of 19 goals and 11 assists from the 2022-23 campaign.
Anthony Gordon has what Arsenal are lacking
While Rodrygo would perhaps represent the more glamorous piece of business, Anthony Gordon could be the more progressive solution.
The Brazilian is at his devastating best cutting inside and possesses the slick, short-range passing needed to break down teams parked in front of the Gunners. But stylistically, Gordon may offer something Arsenal don’t have. The England international has the searing pace and intelligent overlapping runs that are missing on that side of the pitch for Arsenal and could offer a more direct approach.
If it is a more traditional wide option Arteta seeks, Gordon numbers suggest he may be the option. His 131 attempted crosses compared to Rodrygo’s 81 demonstrate a greater willingness to get the ball into the box. In progressive carries of the ball, he also leads the way with 121 to Rodrygo’s 113 over the course of their respective league campaigns last season.
Their headline stats are staggeringly similar. In league games last season, both players scored six and created five with Gordon playing four more games. Rodrygo created three more chances for his teammates than the former Everton star (54 and 51 respectively) with shots on goal also a close run comparison with Gordon attempting 59 to the Brazil international’s 54.
At 24, both men are entering their prime years. With Rodrygo valued at £76m, it remains to be seen how much it would cost to prise Gordon away from St James’ Park.
Who is the easier signing to make?
Arsenal will hope both players remain viable targets in the coming weeks. Rodrygo’s situation in Spain appears uncertain – despite Alonso publicly confirming his admiration for the winger, there are suggestions those assurances have still not been fully delivered behind the scenes. Any movement will likely now wait until after Real’s Club World Cup campaign in the United States.
With Newcastle’s PSR [profit and sustainability rules] situation looking healthier, the Magpies are under no pressure to sell this summer. Only eight points separated them and Arsenal once all was said and done last season and their return to the Champions League means Eddie Howe’s side may argue they are in a position to offer Gordon everything Arsenal can next season.
Which striker lands in north London could also be a factor. Deals for Viktor Gyokeres and Benjamin Sesko are being explored with hope one will arrive to lead what could be a new-look attack next season. Ensuring Rodrygo or Gordon are part of it will be just as vital.
