Arsenal didn’t win any trophies in the 2024–25 season and are now looking to sign a new winger. Under manager Mikel Arteta, the team showed potential but haven’t been able to turn it into success. In the new season, they’ll be eager to prove themselves and move past their reputation for falling short when it matters most.
The Gunners ended the last three Premier Leagues in second place, and fans are frustrated with the lack of tangible results. Indeed, the last time Arsenal had their hands on silverware was in the FA Cup in 2019/20.
MW9: Crystal Palace (H)
Any excuse to watch this one back 😲 pic.twitter.com/JtzjxQRLQj
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) July 1, 2025
This time around, the club feel the addition of a left-winger to their squad will help boost their chances of lifting the trophy. While Gabriel Martinelli is a player everyone at the Emirates admires, his returns have not been the same in recent years, with just 18 goals across all competitions.
Martinelli is not explicitly being asked to leave the club, according to many sources, but Arsenal are keen on adding heft to their left wing. They want an athlete who can complement Bukayo Saka on the right and are in need of someone who can weave magic with their footwork in the final third.
Rodrygo may be a good fit at Arsenal
Real Madrid’s Rodrygo, who found the going tough at the Santiago Bernabeu since Xabi Alonso took charge before the FIFA Club World Cup, could be right for Arsenal. However, the Brazilian has also attracted interest from the Saudi Pro League, and it remains to be seen if the Gunners can match their offers.
If, however, Rodrygo does decide to leave Madrid, Arsenal will be at the gates offering their admiration for him. The young star is a mastermind in one-to-one situations and often finds ways to confuse defenders with his fast feet and intelligent thinking under pressure.
🚨 𝐁𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐊𝐈𝐍𝐆: Arsenal have held preliminary talks with Rodrygo’s representatives in recent weeks, reports @TheAthleticFC 🗞️ pic.twitter.com/6rHDpslLRa
— 433 (@433) July 3, 2025
In 2024/25, Rodrygo scored 14 times and recorded 10 assists across all competitions compared to 17 and 8 in 2023/24 for Real Madrid. These stats make him a prime upgrade on Martinelli, and someone whom the club will back.
Being just 24 years old, Rodrygo promises a bright future and could be around to serve the Emirates for years. Added to this: he is a serial winner, having had his hands on three La Liga titles, two UEFA Champions League trophies and two FIFA Club World Cup winners’ medals.
🚨 BREAKING: Arsenal have held preliminary talks with Rodrygo’s representatives in RECENT WEEKS. @MarioCortegana pic.twitter.com/MKKWmkDKVq
— Madrid Xtra (@MadridXtra) July 3, 2025
Known primarily for being sharp under pressure while taking touches inside the opposition’s box in the final third, Rodrygo is a pacy winger who thrives on interplay, as we saw in his partnership with Vinicius Junior. In the 202425 La Liga, he showed an xG of 4 while displaying an xA of 4.19.
The Brazilian is a firm chance creator for himself and his colleagues, proven by his 90.9% passing accuracy last season. He produced a total of 49 opportunities and even found his teammates on the other end with 22 crosses. As mentioned earlier, his success in dribbling makes him a big threat in the offensive zone. Just look at the 49 he accounted for and the 51% success rate he had.
Crystal Palace’s Eberechi Eze can also be a sound option
Another option Arsenal are looking at is fellow Premier League player Eberechi Eze. The Crystal Palace talent has reportedly been approached by the Gunners for a move, but we’re still waiting to see if it transpires. Primarily an attacking midfielder who can also operate as a winger, Eze scored 14 goals and bagged 12 assists in 2024/25.
Eight of those goals and assists came in the Premier League itself, which shows how well the Englishman performed in every tournament he’s participated in. In 2023/24, Eze scored 11 goals and registered 6 assists across all competitions and was a vital member of the Palace squad.
Gravity, carrying, passing, effortless quality, and aura.
Eberechi Eze has it all.pic.twitter.com/mI6oQpqqJA
— EBL (@EBL2017) July 1, 2025
While his speed and composure on the ball have often been admired, it remains to be seen if Eze is the right man for the Gunners. What helps is that he’s already based in London, and won’t have to make a big inter-country move like Rodrygo to join Mikel Arteta.
Eze’s underlying statistics are impressive when looking at the xG of 10.50 he achieved in the Premier League last season. His expected assists of 4.68 are also decent, although his 81.4% passing accuracy leaves a lot to be desired. The 27-year-old, however, played 37 long balls, which is not often seen in his position.
Will he be able to play confidently on the wing and match Saka step for step? This is a question that only time will answer, and only if he arrives at the club at the right moment for such posers to be felt. Eze’s dribbling capabilities are pretty good, and he had a success rate of almost 52% last term in the league. Out of the 1,587 touches he had in total, 104 came in the opposition’s goal-scoring zones.
More possibilities linked to Emirates
Aston Villa’s Morgan Rogers and Newcastle United’s Anthony Gordon are two other players who have been linked with a move to the Emirates.
Rogers had an xG of 6.58 in the league last season, while Gordon’s corresponding number was 8.03. Both athletes, however, are quite new to the Premier League. Rogers arrived at the PL in 2023/24, and Gordon officially started playing in 2021/22.
Their lack of experience may go against them, furthering Rodrygo’s chances all the more. Even though the Brazilian has not played in the Premier League yet, his resounding success, especially in the CL, has made him a firm favourite to arrive at Arsenal. We think he’ll be the best option on the left wing for the club.
