ไทย
English
中國人
Arsenal could potentially wrap up the 2025–26 season with three major honors, among them the Premier League title and the Champions League.
Yet there remains a feeling that this Gunners squad still has significant room to grow.
The breadth of their roster is beyond question, as is the quality they've accumulated across defense and midfield. Last summer's activity, led by incoming sporting director Andrea Berta, aimed to inject greater creativity into Mikel Arteta's well-organized system — but further reinforcements will be necessary if Arsenal are to maintain their winning momentum.
The Gunners are well-covered in most positions, but their left-wing options have only just scraped by this campaign. Leandro Trossard has faded into obscurity in recent months, while Gabriel Martinelli has largely underwhelmed outside of fixtures against English Football League (EFL) opposition.
That flank is clearly in need of an upgrade. The dream signing is no secret: Khvicha Kvaratskhelia. However, Paris Saint-Germain drive a hard bargain and are said to view the Georgian star as "near-unsellable."
As such, it wouldn't be surprising if Arsenal are compelled to look elsewhere once the summer window swings open. Here are five more attainable alternatives, ranked by a blend of feasibility and fit.
5. Marcus Rashford
On pure ability, Marcus Rashford would rank higher on this list, but it seems improbable that Barcelona would pass up the chance to sign him permanently, and equally unlikely that Manchester United would allow him to join north London rivals if Barça get cold feet.
The Red Devils have clearly written off the clinical Englishman, having already offered him to a Premier League competitor. Aston Villa took Rashford on loan during the second half of last season.
That said, United share a deep-rooted rivalry with Arsenal, and they'll have little appetite to bolster a potential Premier League title winner in a position of genuine need, particularly given their own ambitions heading into next season.
Rashford's influence at Hansi Flick's club has waned since Raphinha's return from injury, yet he's nonetheless rediscovered his spark in Catalonia. Across 25 outings, the winger has registered 11 goal contributions.
Barça would be unwise not to activate the £25.9 million ($34.4 million) purchase option in Rashford's loan deal this summer, though they are currently sitting on the fence.
4. Rafael Leão
The prospect of Rafael Leão often feels more exciting than the reality.
Armed with match-winning ability, Leão possesses the attributes of a genuine superstar, yet we've rarely seen the Portuguese winger perform like one of the most devastating wide players on the planet since he drove Milan's Scudetto triumph in 2021–22.
To his credit, Leão was outstanding the following campaign, leading the Rossoneri on their run to the Champions League semifinals — but it's been a gradual decline ever since.
He's occupied a somewhat diminished role under Massimiliano Allegri this season, still contributing nine goals, but there's a growing sense that Leão may need a fresh environment to truly unlock his potential.
Leão at his peak is precisely the type of player Arsenal are looking for, but the 26-year-old's inconsistency has been a recurring concern, and Milan aren't yet alarmed by his contract status, with his current deal running until 2028.
How effectively he'd adapt to Arteta's demanding defensive structure would also raise questions. His dynamic with Allegri has been far from smooth.
3. Antonio Nusa
RB Leipzig look set to be a major player in the summer transfer market off the back of Yan Diomande's stunning emergence.
Europe's top clubs are hovering over the gifted Ivorian dribbler, but Diomande isn't the only Leipzig wide man worth pursuing this summer.
A modest return in the Bundesliga means Antonio Nusa has flown somewhat under the radar compared to his fellow winger. He made his name at Club Brugge and was previously on the radar of Premier League sides Brentford and Tottenham Hotspur before his move to Germany in 2024.
Nusa has accumulated just 10 Bundesliga goal contributions across nearly two seasons, but there's a great deal of untapped potential in the 20-year-old. A gifted dribbler who grew up idolizing Neymar, Nusa is an unpredictable presence on the wing with blistering pace.
Leipzig will inevitably command a huge fee for Diomande, and they may well attach a hefty price tag to Nusa too, should the winger impress for Norway at the World Cup.
2. Bradley Barcola
Perhaps all the noise around Kvaratskhelia is a smokescreen. Could Bradley Barcola be the winger Arsenal truly have their eye on?
The Gunners were only loosely connected to him last year, but Barcola's contract circumstances in Paris should be of real interest to the north London club. Paris Saint-Germain are reportedly preparing to hand the Frenchman a two-year extension to ward off potential rivals.
Barcola has long been seen as a future star who has struggled to convert that promise into consistent goals. Recently, however, the 23-year-old has developed a clinical edge. Barcola has found the net in each of his last four matches and played a pivotal role in Chelsea's Champions League exit. His strike at Stamford Bridge was nothing short of spectacular.
If PSG consider Kvaratskhelia virtually untouchable, they might be open to entertaining bids for Barcola should contract negotiations stall.
For Arsenal, the caliber of talent they'd be bringing in with Barcola cannot be overstated — his explosive yet deceptively effortless two-footed dribbling would breathe life into an attack that can sometimes look predictable. Plant Barcola on the touchline and back him to torment any opponent he faces, with teammates sure to benefit from his unselfishness and sharp thinking in the final third.
1. Anthony Gordon
Anthony Gordon has been mentioned alongside Kvaratskhelia as one of two left-wingers Arsenal are actively pursuing ahead of the summer window.
Gordon may not be the most glamorous name on the market, but the Englishman has been a dependable Premier League presence ever since he emerged from a struggling Everton side.
Newcastle United's £40 million ($53 million) investment in January 2023 has more than proven its worth. Gordon has averaged a goal contribution roughly every two-and-a-quarter games across over 150 appearances for the Magpies, and he finished this Champions League campaign as the competition's second-highest scorer.
His tireless work ethic will appeal greatly to Arteta, as will his versatility across the attacking line. He excels at exploiting space in behind defenses and has a strong record in high-profile matches. Gordon has registered 16 goals and nine assists against Premier League 'Big Six' clubs throughout his career.
Fans may crave a marquee signing from abroad, but Gordon could prove to be the shrewdest piece of business Arsenal do this summer.