Arsenal
Five Players Who Could Breakthrough At The World Cup Including Arsenal And Manchester United Targets
International tournaments offer players the perfect platform to breakthrough and gain a move to a bigger club. The 2010 World Cup saw the likes of Mesut Ozil and Sami Khedira put in performances that saw them both move to Real Madrid. Two years later, Mario Mandzukic scored three goals and impressed for Croatia at Euro 2012. He gained a move to Bayern Munich on the back of those performances. There will be several players traveling to Brazil this summer, who hope to perform well enough to earn a move to a top Champions League club. The following are only five of those:
Antoine Griezmann
France have a deep pool of talent, but they have failed to perform to the level they should have done in the past couple of tournaments. The latest French winger making a name for himself is Antoine Griezmann. He has struggled to break into the French squad, which may be due to never playing in France, but after making his international debut, it looks like the winger is part of Didier Deschamps’ long term plans. He has impressed in La Liga for Real Sociedad scoring 15 league goals this season, which is no mean feat in a competitive league like the Spanish top flight.
The Frenchman’s best position is left wing, but he isn’t a traditional winger. He is a very good dribbler of the ball, rarely losing possession, however he isn’t a good crosser of the ball. Griezmann’s strengths are cutting inside with the ball and shooting when he has the ball at his feet. His movement in the final third is brilliant as he often finds pockets of space to exploit, which is why his goal tally is so high. The winger is an impressive header of the ball, despite his size. He will be hoping to perform well this summer, in order to move to a regular Champions League side. It appears that England is his most likely destination with Manchester United and Arsenal being linked to the winger.
Romelu Lukaku
Although he is well known in England, Romelu Lukaku has yet to get first team football in a Champions League side. Many think his time at Chelsea has come and gone as Jose Mourinho doesn’t appear to see the striker as part of his plans, but there is no doubt that the Belgian is good enough to play in the Champions League already. He is still only 20 years old and he is already a regular scorer in the Premier League, scoring ten goals this season during an injury hit campaign. The striker seems keen to improve his own game which was seen in the summer when he pushed for a loan move to secure first team football.
The on loan Everton striker is a physical striker who relies on his strength and pace to bully defences. He can compete well both on the ground and in the air, unlike many physical strikers, Lukaku can run with the ball, which highlights another string to his bow. The Belgian international is a very good finisher when he gets into the box, while he is also brilliant at setting up attacks for his team-mates using his stature to hold the ball up. If he has a good tournament, he will increase the interest in him, while he may even convince Chelsea to give him a run in the side at Stamford Bridge. At the moment Lukaku is a very good young talent, by the end of the summer, he could be a world superstar.
William Carvalho
Many will focus on Cristiano Ronaldo this summer when Portugal are playing, but they have an excellent defensive midfielder in William Carvalho. The Angola-born player has started to enhance his reputation this season with his all action displays in the Sporting Lisbon midfield. The defensive midfield role promoted by the likes of Claude Makelele is becoming a thing of the past, but Carvalho has a lot more to his game than being purely a ball winning midfielder. He is comfortable on the ball as he can pick a pass, while he can also carry the ball out of midfield. As he progresses, he could develop into a similar player to Yaya Toure, especially when you look at the midfielder’s physique.
He only has two caps to his name so far, however many expect him to be a key player for Portugal this summer, alongside Joao Moutinho in the middle of the park. Over the past few weeks, he has been linked to Inter Milan, Manchester United and Chelsea, but it looks like England is his most likely destination. Manchester United in particular need a player like Carvalho to add power to their midfield, yet it may set them back up to £37m to sign the midfielder. It could be even more than that if Carvalho has a good World Cup this summer.
Matthias Ginter
Germany have started to produce a lot of promising youngsters over the previous decade, with the latest player being Matthias Ginter. He is a centre defender who plays for Freiburg, after starting his career as a centre midfielder. Ginter has since become one of the brightest talents in the Bundesliga, earning his first cap for Germany in their previous friendly against Chile. The defender has a lot to do to gain a starting place for the World Cup, but with good performances he could do just that. Germany’s weakness is their defence and eventually Ginter will be the long term answer to that problem, but this summer may come too early for him.
The German international has the quality to become a top class defender. He has a lot of pace for a centre back, while his passing range is also very impressive despite his size. He often switches the play from deep, allowing his side to counter attack dangerously. Ginter is an excellent tackler of the ball, which highlights why he was switched to defence. Many clubs are interested in the German including Arsenal and Manchester United, but it is expected that he will move to either Bayern Munich or Borussia Dortmund in the near future.
Adam Lallana
After England’s last friendly, many are pushing for Adam Lallana to secure a place in the first eleven for the World Cup. He has risen through the leagues with Southampton and he has reaped the rewards for staying with the club, but it appears that he is starting to outgrow the South Coast outfit. He will be 26 when the World Cup starts, therefore he will be approaching a stage in his career where he needs Champions League football to fulfill his potential. A string of good performances in Brazil will lead to clubs sniffing around the attacking midfielder, it’s yet to be seen if Lallana will remain loyal to Southampton in a similar way to Matt Le Tissier.
The attacking midfielder is a natural dribbler who eases his way past defenders using his pace and guile. He works hard getting up and down the pitch, while he is also a strong finisher when he gets chances in front of goal. Lallana has scored 8 goals and got 4 assists this season, which highlights his good form this season. The big clubs in England will be looking at Lallana’s situation as he has already showed that he can perform in the English top flight, while other clubs on the continent will be monitoring his situation.
Arsenal Eye Rodrygo Move as Gyokeres Alternative Emerges
Arsenal are seriously considering a summer move for Real Madrid’s Rodrygo, viewing the Brazilian as the missing piece in their title puzzle. The 24-year-old has become available as Madrid reshape their attack around Mbappe and Vinicius, and Arteta sees him as the natural left-footed winger they’ve desperately needed.
While the Gunners have also been tracking Viktor Gyokeres at Sporting CP, Rodrygo offers something different – proven quality at the highest level and the kind of big-game mentality this Arsenal squad has been questioned about in crunch moments.
What Arsenal Would Be Getting
Goals When It Matters Rodrygo isn’t just a highlights reel player. He’s scored 12 goals and grabbed 9 assists this season despite being rotated regularly in Madrid’s loaded attack. His 18.2% shot conversion rate is well above average for wingers in La Liga, and more importantly, he turns up when the lights are brightest.
His Champions League record tells the story – crucial goals against Chelsea, City, and other Premier League sides prove he can handle the pressure. That’s exactly what Arsenal have been missing in their title runs.
Technical Profile The Brazilian solves Arsenal’s right-wing problem in one move. His left foot provides natural balance, cutting inside to create or shoot while allowing Saka to potentially move to the left or giving Arteta tactical flexibility. At 5’7″ with quick feet, he navigates tight spaces well and consistently beats defenders one-on-one.
His crossing from wide areas is genuinely excellent, and he’s averaging 2.3 key passes per game this season. Not just a goalscorer, then – he creates plenty for others too.
Fits Like a Glove Tactically Under Ancelotti, Rodrygo has played right wing, left wing, and false nine, often switching mid-game. That versatility is perfect for Arteta’s system, where wingers drift inside to create overloads. His defensive work has improved massively – 1.8 tackles per game shows he gets the modern winger role.
The Gyokeres Factor
Arsenal’s interest in Sporting’s Viktor Gyokeres adds another layer to their summer planning. While the Swedish striker has been prolific in Portugal, Rodrygo offers Premier League-tested quality and immediate integration into Arteta’s setup. The Brazilian’s experience against English opposition in Europe means no adaptation period – something crucial in a title race.
-> READ MORE: Viktor Gyokeres to Arsenal: Scout Report + SWOT Analysis
SWOT Analysis
Strengths
Clutch Gene Simple as that – Rodrygo delivers in big moments. His 0.73 goals per 90 in Champions League knockouts over three seasons is elite. Arsenal have bottled too many crucial games; this guy thrives in them.
Perfect Tactical Match Everything about his game suits Arteta’s vision. Drifts inside naturally, creates space for overlapping fullbacks, provides the left-footed balance they’ve missed since Alexis left. He’s basically made for this system.
Premier League Ready Unlike most La Liga signings, he’s repeatedly faced Premier League teams in the Champions League and performed. No concerns about physicality or pace – he’s already proven he can handle it.
Weaknesses
League Form Questions While he shines in big games, his La Liga consistency isn’t perfect – just 8 goals in 23 league appearances. The week-to-week grind of Premier League football might expose this.
Aerial Limitations Wins only 31% of aerial duels, which limits Arsenal’s attacking options from set pieces and crosses. Not a deal-breaker, but something Arteta would need to work around.
Opportunities
Title Difference-Maker Arsenal’s squad lacks a winger who can single-handedly decide matches. City look vulnerable, Liverpool inconsistent – the right addition could tip the balance.
European Catalyst His Champions League pedigree could transform Arsenal’s knockout mentality. Sometimes it’s about believing you belong at that level.
Threats
Price Tag Pressure Madrid won’t sell cheap – probably €80-100m. That’s serious money that could backfire if he doesn’t adapt quickly.
Wage Structure Risk His salary demands might upset Arsenal’s carefully managed structure and create problems with current players.
-> READ MORE: Rafael Leao to Arsenal: Scout Report + SWOT Analysis
Bottom Line
Rodrygo makes sense on every level except the price tag. He addresses Arsenal’s biggest tactical need, brings proven big-game quality, and fits perfectly into Arteta’s system. While Gyokeres offers a different option as a central striker, Rodrygo’s versatility and Premier League experience make him the smarter move.
The question isn’t whether he’d improve Arsenal – it’s whether they can afford to make it happen without compromising other areas of the squad. In a tight title race where margins are tiny, sometimes you need to take calculated risks. This feels like one worth taking.
-> READ MORE: Benjamin Sesko to Arsenal: Scout Report + SWOT Analysis
Viktor Gyokeres has left the door open for a potential summer move to Arsenal after his response when quizzed about his future. The Sporting CP striker’s reply has caught attention, with transfer guru Fabrizio Romano revealing the Swedish international’s stance on potential links to North London.
When pressed about his future plans, Gyokeres offered a diplomatic yet revealing response: “It’s impossible to say, we never know what happens in football.” The 26-year-old striker then addressed the Arsenal speculation directly, stating: “Arsenal links? I don’t know anything. My focus was on the games. If the links were true then… we will see this summer.”
It’s that phrase – “we will see this summer” – that has caught Arsenal supporters’ attention. Rather than dismissing the speculation, Gyokeres appears to be keeping his options open for summer discussions.
The timing of these comments couldn’t be more significant. Arsenal’s pursuit of a proven goalscorer has been well-documented, with Mikel Arteta’s side falling short in the title race due to inconsistent finishing. Gabriel Jesus has struggled with injuries and form, while Eddie Nketiah’s departure has left Arsenal light on attacking options.
Gyokeres’ explosive form at Sporting CP has made him one of Europe’s most coveted strikers. The former Coventry City forward has netted an impressive 66 goals in 68 appearances since joining the Portuguese giants, establishing himself as a lethal finisher capable of leading the line for a title-challenging side.
Arsenal’s interest appears genuine, with reports suggesting the Gunners have been monitoring the Swedish international throughout the season with some reports even suggesting that Gyokores’ move is all but confirmed. His comments to Romano suggest he’s aware of the speculation and isn’t ruling out a move, despite maintaining his focus on current commitments.
The striker’s measured response also indicates a professional approach to transfer speculation. Rather than fueling rumors or making bold declarations, Gyokeres has positioned himself perfectly – remaining committed to Sporting while acknowledging that football’s unpredictable nature means anything could happen.
-> READ MORE: 3 Tactical Reasons Why Martin Zubimendi to Arsenal Makes Perfect Sense
Would Gyokeres tactically fit in at Arsenal?
Summer transfer windows often hinge on such statements, and Gyokeres’ words suggest he’s prepared for potential discussions. Arsenal’s pursuit of attacking reinforcements is expected to intensify once the season concludes.
Tactically, Gyokeres would provide Arsenal with the clinical edge they’ve desperately sought. His physical presence, aerial ability, and intelligent movement in the box would complement Arsenal’s creative midfield perfectly. The Swedish striker’s knack for finding space and his composure in crucial moments make him an ideal fit for Arteta’s system, offering the ruthless finishing that could transform the Gunners from title challengers into genuine champions. His versatility to drop deep and link play would also suit Arsenal’s fluid attacking approach, making this potential transfer a perfect tactical marriage.
-> READ MORE: Arsenal’s Next Saka? Scout Report of Max Dowman who is set for First-Team role
Arsenal’s Leao Pursuit: Tactical Fit and Transfer Analysis for the Portuguese Winger
Arsenal’s pursuit of AC Milan’s Rafael Leao could transform their attacking options under Mikel Arteta. The Portuguese winger brings pace, technical ability, and tactical intelligence that fits the Premier League’s demands perfectly.
Player Profile and Current Form
Leao operates as AC Milan’s left winger in their current system. At 6’2″, he combines physical presence with pace and agility that makes him dangerous in transition. His ability to drift between the lines has evolved significantly, creating overloads while maintaining width through overlapping full-backs.
Recent performances show his development as a complete forward. His progressive carries and successful dribbles highlight his ability to advance play individually – complementing Arsenal’s possession-based approach perfectly.
Tactical Fit Within Arteta’s System
Arteta’s system centers on numerical superiority in central areas while maintaining attacking width. Leao fits seamlessly into this approach, particularly in the left-sided role.
Unlike traditional touchline wingers, Leao’s comfort in half-spaces would enable fluid attacking rotations. His deep positioning creates space for overlapping defenders while his pace threatens high defensive lines.
The Portuguese tracks back effectively and shows improved discipline in defensive shape. This work rate suits Arteta’s demands where wide forwards contribute significantly in defensive transitions.
Alternative Targets and Transfer Context
Arsenal’s attacking recruitment extends beyond Leao. The club has identified Sporting CP’s Viktor Gyokeres and RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko as alternative striker options. Gyokeres brings proven goalscoring pedigree from the Portuguese league, while Sesko offers youth and potential despite his inconsistent performances.
This multi-pronged approach suggests Arsenal prioritizes attacking reinforcement regardless of position. Leao’s versatility across the front line makes him attractive compared to more specialized strikers, offering tactical flexibility Arteta values highly.
->READ MORE: Arsenal’s Next Saka? Scout Report of Max Dowman who is set for First-Team role
SWOT Analysis
Strengths
Pace and Acceleration: Leao’s speed makes him dangerous on the counter-attack. His ability to exploit space behind defensive lines would add directness to Arsenal’s build-up play.
Technical Versatility: Comfortable on both feet and across the front line, Leao offers tactical flexibility. His crossing ability enhances Arsenal’s wide threat.
Physical Presence: At 6’2″, he provides aerial threat while possessing strength to hold up play and bring teammates into attacks.
Mental Strength: Performances in Champions League and title races demonstrate resilience under pressure.
Weaknesses
Consistency Issues: Leao can drift out of games, particularly against deep-lying defenses that limit space in behind. His shot conversion rate (12.8%) suggests room for improvement in clinical finishing.
Defensive Positioning: While his work rate has improved, Leao occasionally loses concentration in defensive phases, which could be exploited by Premier League teams’ quick transitions.
Adaptation Period: Moving from Serie A’s tactical environment to the Premier League’s intensity represents a significant adjustment that could affect immediate impact.
Opportunities
Premier League Suitability: The league’s high tempo and space available on the counter-attack could suit Leao’s strengths perfectly, potentially elevating his output beyond current levels.
Arteta’s Development: Working under Arteta’s tactical guidance could refine Leao’s positional discipline and decision-making, similar to improvements seen in other Arsenal forwards.
Commercial Value: A high-profile signing would enhance Arsenal’s global profile while potentially increasing shirt sales and sponsorship appeal.
Squad Depth: Adding quality depth in attacking areas would allow rotation in multiple competitions while maintaining tactical flexibility.
Threats
Adaptation Risk: The transition to Premier League football isn’t guaranteed to be smooth, with numerous high-profile signings struggling initially.
Financial Outlay: Milan’s likely asking price (reportedly around £67 million) represents significant investment that could limit other transfer activities.
Competition: Other elite clubs monitoring Leao’s situation could drive up the transfer fee or wage demands beyond Arsenal’s comfort zone.
Tactical Disruption: Integrating a new player into established attacking patterns could temporarily disrupt the team’s rhythm and understanding.
->READ MORE – 3 Tactical Reasons Why Martin Zubimendi to Arsenal Makes Perfect Sense
Transfer Assessment
From a tactical perspective, Leao represents an ideal fit for Arsenal’s evolving system. His combination of pace, technical ability, and improving tactical intelligence addresses several areas where the Gunners could strengthen. The Portuguese’s versatility across the front line would provide Arteta with options to rotate and rest key players while maintaining attacking threat.
However, the financial commitment required – likely exceeding £67 million, if you include the add-ons – demands careful consideration. Arsenal’s previous investments in attacking players haven’t always yielded immediate returns, and Leao’s adjustment period could prove costly if the team’s momentum suffers.
The timing appears opportune, with Milan potentially willing to sell if their valuation is met, and Leao reportedly interested in testing himself in the Premier League. For Arsenal, securing a player of his caliber could represent the difference between competing for top-four positions and challenging for major honors.
-> READ MORE: Leandro Trossard’s Wife Drops Major Exit Hint After Final Emirates Game
Conclusion
Rafael Leao to Arsenal represents more than just a high-profile signing – it’s a statement of intent that could transform the club’s attacking dynamics. His pace, versatility, and developing tactical maturity make him an ideal candidate to thrive under Arteta’s guidance while addressing Arsenal’s need for greater attacking depth and directness.
The transfer’s success would ultimately depend on Leao’s adaptation to Premier League intensity and Arsenal’s ability to integrate his unique skill set into their established patterns. If executed successfully, this signing could prove pivotal in Arsenal’s pursuit of sustained success at the highest level.
-> READ MORE: 3 Pacey Wingers Arteta Could Sign to Fight Liverpool and City for the title
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