Despite seeing improvement every year, Arsenal are still struggling to win any silverware. We can blame it on luck, lack of unity, or injuries. However, there seems to be a missing piece in the general puzzle.
The 2025/26 campaign will likely answer many questions about Mikel Arteta’s future. With the summer transfer window now open, the Spanish coach is likely to target players in the attack.
Who are the ideal candidates to fill the left-wing and centre-forward roles for the Gunners?
Left Wing – Three Options for Arsenal
With the fierce competition among teams to strengthen their squads, Arsenal will need to be prepared. Here are three potential signings that can bolster the left wing.
Eberechi Eze
Eze, to me, would be the best option. You watch him glide past defenders with those silky touches, and you can’t help but picture him lighting up the Emirates.
The young English winger thrives in tight spaces and is perfect for breaking low blocks – something Arteta’s men encounter every week. Moreover, his link-up play would complement Martin Ødegaard’s creative instincts perfectly.
Eberechi Eze – Pure Class💫 pic.twitter.com/hREr1VZm9s
— 𝗙 𝗥 𝗘 𝗗 🗽 (@AFCFrediNho_) June 28, 2025
The Arsenal crowd loves a bit of flair, and Eze delivers highlight-reel moments with confidence. Additionally, he’s accustomed to the Premier League, so adapting to a new club won’t be a problem.
Rodrygo
If you’re looking for a winger who won’t shrink under pressure, Rodrygo is a top choice. This guy thrives on Champions League nights, like it’s in his DNA. Given a massive overhaul of Real Madrid’s squad, I think he may not be a part of Xabi Alonso’s plan.
The Brazilian drifts into central spaces, offering versatility that would help Arsenal’s interchanging attack. His work ethic without the ball would also please Arteta, who loves a winger who presses. However, the question is whether the Gunners will be willing to pay a near $100 million sum to sign him.
Anthony Gordon
I believe Gordon could be the surprise package. He may not have the glamour of the other two, but Arsenal fans would love his tireless energy and fearless attitude.
Anthony Gordon can be electric..pic.twitter.com/L9BuXd2naP https://t.co/FbvOAE3GDB
— DGOAT (@DgoatLFC) June 17, 2025
Gordon never stops running, and I think he’s made for Arteta’s pressing game. Additionally, he’s still young enough to grow and refine his decision-making skills in a more complex system.
However, given that Newcastle have qualified for the Champions League, I doubt they’ll release him. After all, during the 2024/25 campaign, he was a pivotal figure and a regular starter of the Magpies.
Centre Forward – Main Candidates
Now it’s time to switch to strikers. And here are three top candidates that may potentially arrive in North London.
Alexander Isak
Tall, composed, and with an eye for a goal, the Swedish forward could be an ideal forward. He’s mobile enough to combine with wingers and midfielders. Additionally, his finishing is clinical, which could turn those near misses from last season into goals.
During the 2024/25 campaign, Isak scored 23 goals in 34 games and proved that he can cope with the Premier League’s physicality. However, Liverpool are also in pursuit of the Swedish forward, and it’s unclear how this transfer race will unfold.
Viktor Gyökeres
Viktor Gyökeres reminds me of Zlatan Ibrahimovic. He’s a goalscoring machine that not only scores but smashes through packed defences. Arteta’s side sometimes struggle against teams who sit deep, and Gyökeres could fix that problem overnight.
Viktor Gyökeres, the world’s No.1 striker 😮💨pic.twitter.com/ePcaGMI8j8
— Gooner Chris (@ArsenalN7) June 23, 2025
In my opinion, he would bring a fresh, fearless edge that Arsenal fans have craved since the departure of Giroud. However, his price tag could easily reach $100 million.
Benjamin Šeško
Picture a striker with Haaland-like vibes – that’s what I always think about the Slovenian forward Benjamin Šeško. He’s quick for his size, which suits Arsenal’s counter-attacking transitions.
His height gives him a distinct edge in aerial duels, which could give the squad an advantage on set pieces.
At 22, he’s a long-term project who could grow into a global star. If Arsenal want to build a team for the next five years, I genuinely think Šeško’s arrival will be a great investment.
The Bottom Line
From a purely pragmatic view, I believe that Eberechi Eze would be a great candidate as a left winger. Arsenal have squandered an opportunity to sign Wilfried Zaha from Crystal Palace, and another missed chance could be devastating. He’s also familiar with the Premier League’s tempo and should have no trouble fitting into the system.
As for the centre-forward position, Viktor Gyökeres would be my pick. Tall, physical, and energetic, his addition could solve all the problems Arsenal have in the offence. With Eze-Gyökeres-Saka lining up in the front, it’s hard to imagine opposing defenders having an easy time.
