Arsenal fans were sitting on pins and needles for weeks, waiting for Vinicius Junior to decide whether to renew his deal with Real Madrid or come to The Arsenal. This ambitious attempt to sign a global superstar should encourage fans; however, questions remain about Arsenal’s squad depth. Reports have emerged suggesting that Gabriel Martinelli may be close to a move away from the team, meaning Arsenal could re-enter the transfer market. The question is which player would be the right fit for Arteta to pair with fellow new left winger Christos Tzolis.
Bradley Barcola looks to be the priority signing for Liverpool this summer; however, with no agreement in place, Arsenal could hijack the move. Barcola is a supremely talented player whom former Arsenal manager and fellow Frenchman Arsène Wenger would have loved to coach. One of the most technically gifted players on the market this summer, his flair could be exactly what Arsenal was hoping to get with Vinicius Junior.
Barcola has repeatedly impressed on the biggest stage with PSG, helping them win two Champions League trophies in three years, albeit as a squad player. Arsenal may want to exact a little revenge on the team that has stifled them multiple times in the Champions League by signing one of their many young prospects. PSG potentially have the most stacked forward line in world soccer at the moment, meaning Barcola’s exit could be one of the transfer sagas to watch this summer.
Kenan Yildiz is a name that has sparked conversation among Arsenal fans since even before the World Cup. The quick, highly technical player has impressed at Juventus over the past two years, scoring or assisting on 43 goals in 131 games since joining the senior team. Despite not registering a goal involvement at this summer’s World Cup, Yildiz was one of the key factors in Türkiye’s only victory, a surprise win over the USA. Arsenal will hope to refine his raw talent and mold him into an even more efficient threat in front of goal.
Yildiz provides the perfect combination of height and on-the-ball ability that Arteta appears to desire in all of his players. One thing the Turkish international would be able to provide Arsenal that fans have been clamoring for in recent years is his magician-like dribbling ability. While Tzolis can provide an excellent range of passing and impressive shooting ability, Yildiz could provide a much-needed spark off the bench late in games.
Iliman Ndiaye is a name that not many people would have associated with a move to Arsenal before the start of last season. The Senegalese player has shown that he is one of the best dribblers in the league with Everton over the past two seasons. With 20 goal involvements in 71 games for Everton over the past two years, he may not be the most clinical player. With his skill on the ball, he may be worth the investment for Arteta just to get the fans off their seats with his mazy runs through defenses.
Marcus Rashford’s time at Manchester United may have been winding down to a disappointing ending following a questionable loan move to Aston Villa in 2025. Rashford’s loan move to Barcelona last season may have shown that the 28-year-old may yet have some fight left in him. With 14 goals and 11 assists in 49 games with Barcelona, many fans questioned why the Catalan club signed fellow Englishman Anthony Gordon instead of him.
Arsenal fans have long had a love-hate relationship with the academy star, ever since he scored twice against the Gunners on his Premier League debut in 2016. Despite the daggers he has put through the hearts of Arsenal fans in years past, many believe his elite ball-striking ability would be an asset to the Gunners. One complaint Arsenal fans have had about Arteta’s side in recent years is the reluctance among players to catch teams off guard with long-range shots. Rashford would not come into the team as a starter, but his talent could provide an answer to unlocking defenses late in games.
Mika Godts looks to be PSG’s preferred replacement for Barcola if the Frenchman does eventually sign for Liverpool. With PSG’s abundance of forward talent, the Belgian winger may prefer a move to a team where he has a better chance of earning regular playing time. With an impressive 32 goals and assists in 44 games for Ajax last season, he would have a chance to challenge Tzolis for a starting spot with the Gunners. Providing the side with a touch of speed and proven efficiency in front of goal, he could be the perfect replacement for Martinelli.
Admittedly, losing Martinelli would be bittersweet for the Arsenal fan base. After seven years in North London, the Gunners have literally watched him grow up before their eyes, scoring crucial goals time and time again. Despite not being as clinical as his record-breaking 2022/23 season suggested he could be, he will still be remembered as a cult hero at the club.
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