After a very successful year at Arsenal, accompanied by heartbreak in the UCL final, a debate has emerged across the fanbase regarding our left wing position. Many people believe that we lack quality on the left going forward and that Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard do not provide enough output in the final third. With Martinelli recording one goal and one assist in 29 games, and Trossard contributing five goals and five assists in 31 games, it is hard to disagree. This article will break down my personal opinion on the matter.
Firstly, let’s assess the options. There are five names currently being linked with the position:
Morgan Rogers – The Aston Villa winger would cost Arsenal around £80 million. The 23 year old is coming off the back of an impressive season with Villa, scoring 10 goals and providing seven assists in 37 games.
Kenan Yildiz – Juventus’ 21 year old star would cost around £75 million. He recorded the same goal and assist tally as Rogers while playing one fewer game.
Bradley Barcola – The French winger really impressed me during the UCL final. He would cost around £70 million and contributed 13 goals and seven assists in 49 appearances.
Rafael Leão – The Portuguese winger could be available this summer, with AC Milan failing to qualify for the Champions League once again. He would cost around £50 million and finished the season with nine goals and three assists. This is a move worth considering.
Christos Tzolis – The final option, and perhaps the most likely, is the Greek winger currently playing for Club Brugge. The 24 year old would cost around £35 million and has recorded 22 goals and 29 assists in 52 games. At that price, he could prove to be a bargain.
Now, with all of that considered, it is vital for Arsenal to have both a runner and a more technical winger. This gives us variety when facing different types of opposition.
However, I would look at selling our current runner option, Martinelli, while keeping our current technical option, Trossard. The reason for this is simple. When I look back at the moments Arsenal have needed Trossard most, he has delivered. Whether it is the goal against West Ham or his Champions League goals against Bayern Munich and Porto, he consistently steps up when it matters.
When I look at Martinelli, I see the opposite. I think back to the game against Brentford this season and his decision making in key moments against Liverpool. I simply believe he is less reliable than Trossard.
This would leave us with one technical winger and no runner, which is why we would need to recruit. The winger I would make our top priority is the French winger Bradley Barcola.
The reason is that Arsenal’s issue with Martinelli was not one of profile, it was one of quality. Barcola would improve our finishing, our quality in the final third, and the consistency of our final ball. Most importantly, he would raise the overall level of the squad.
Hopefully, that improvement would take Arsenal to the next level and finally help us get our hands on the UCL trophy.