Arsenal’s title bid has stalled because they lack genuine pace in wide areas, with Mikel Arteta’s side desperately needing direct wingers who can stretch defences and break down stubborn low blocks.

Arsenal’s possession-heavy approach has become predictable. Teams know exactly how to defend against them – sit deep, stay compact, and force them into intricate passing moves that rarely create clear-cut chances. The Gunners need wingers who can beat their man and create something from nothing.

Three names should be at the top of Arsenal’s summer wishlist: Athletic Bilbao’s Nico Williams, Real Madrid’s Rodrygo, and Newcastle’s Anthony Gordon. Each offers the pace and directness that could turn Arsenal from nearly men into champions.

Nico Williams: Spain’s Electric Left-Winger

Williams has been Athletic Bilbao’s standout performer this season. The 22-year-old Spanish international combines raw pace with smart decision-making – exactly what Arsenal lack on the left flank.

His Euro 2024 performances showed he can perform on the biggest stage. Williams consistently beat defenders one-on-one and created chances that his teammates should have buried. That kind of direct threat would be perfect alongside Bukayo Saka’s creativity on the opposite wing.

What makes Williams ideal for Arteta’s system is his tactical intelligence. He doesn’t just hug the touchline like old-school wingers – he drifts inside when space opens up, creating overloads in dangerous areas. This versatility would give Arsenal multiple attacking patterns instead of their current one-dimensional approach.

Williams also tracks back and presses aggressively, matching Arteta’s work-rate demands. His age profile fits Arsenal’s long-term planning, and La Liga experience means he won’t be fazed by Premier League intensity.

The Spanish winger represents good value in today’s market. His release clause and contract situation make him a realistic target, unlike some pie-in-the-sky alternatives that Arsenal have been linked with recently.

Rodrygo: Madrid Class Available for Transfer

Rodrygo’s situation at Real Madrid has become complicated with their attacking depth. The Brazilian might be available this summer if Madrid prioritize other targets, and Arsenal should be first in line.

The 24-year-old brings Champions League pedigree and big-game experience that Arsenal currently lack. His performances in El Clasico and knockout matches show he can handle pressure – something that could prove crucial during title run-ins.

Rodrygo’s versatility across the front three gives Arteta tactical flexibility. He can play left wing, right wing, or centrally without losing effectiveness. His pace would stretch defenses while his technical ability fits Arsenal’s possession game perfectly.

Madrid’s summer plans could push Rodrygo down the pecking order. If they land another attacking star, the Brazilian becomes expendable despite his quality. Arsenal should be monitoring this situation closely.

The Brazilian has the physicality for Premier League football and experience playing for one of world football’s biggest clubs. The step up to Arsenal wouldn’t intimidate him like it might other targets.

-> READ MORE: Scout report and SWOT analysis of Gyokores’ move to Arsenal here

Anthony Gordon: Premier League Ready and Hungry

Gordon represents the most realistic signing of the three. The Newcastle winger has developed into one of the Premier League’s most consistent wide players, improving his end product while maintaining his pace and work rate.

His performances against top-six opposition prove he can handle big matches. Gordon doesn’t go missing when the pressure increases – he often steps up and creates Arsenal’s biggest problems when they face Newcastle.

What makes Gordon attractive is his Premier League experience. Foreign signings need adaptation time, but Gordon would slot straight into Arsenal’s starting eleven without missing a beat.

Newcastle’s financial situation could force their hand this summer. If they need to sell players to balance their books, Gordon would be one of their most valuable assets. Arsenal should be ready to pounce.

The 26-year-old wants Champions League football and major trophies. His move from Everton to Newcastle showed ambition, and Arsenal represents the next logical step in his career progression.

Gordon’s versatility to play either flank adds tactical value. Arteta could rotate him with other wide players without disrupting team shape or losing pace in the final third.

-> READ MORE: Scout Report of Arsenal youngster Max Dowman who is set for First-Team role

Arsenal Must Choose Pace Over Patience

Arsenal’s title challenge collapsed this season because they couldn’t break down teams that defended deep. Adding genuine pace and directness is non-negotiable if they want to compete with Manchester City next season.

Williams offers the best combination of talent and value. Rodrygo brings elite experience but might be harder to secure. Gordon provides Premier League readiness and genuine hunger for success.

Arsenal cannot afford another summer of missed opportunities. These three targets address their biggest weakness, and Arteta must convince the board to back him with serious investment.

The difference between winning the title and finishing second often comes down to having players who can create something when nothing seems possible. All three wingers offer that X-factor Arsenal desperately need.

-> READ MORE: Why Martin Zubimendi to Arsenal Makes Perfect Sense

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Arsenal’s pursuit of Brighton’s Joao Pedro has intensified, with reports suggesting the Gunners are ready to meet the £59m asking price. Despite the Brazilian’s talent, this transfer would be a strategic error that could derail Mikel Arteta’s project.

Wrong profile at the wrong time

Arsenal under Arteta runs on tactical discipline and smart recruitment. Their attack thrives on positional play where technique, awareness, and decision-making matter most. Pedro, though explosive, lacks the tactical intelligence that defines Arsenal’s forward line.

His Brighton performances show instinctive brilliance but persistent inconsistency. With just 10 goals in 27 league appearances, his output doesn’t justify the £59m price tag. Gabriel Jesus, despite criticism of his finishing, has delivered 7 goals and 2 assists in fewer minutes while contributing far more to Arsenal’s build-up play.

Tactical incompatibility

Arteta’s system demands forwards who participate in complex rotations and create positional superiority. Kai Havertz excels centrally by dropping deep, creating overloads, and exploiting half-spaces. Pedro plays more directly, often detached from buildup.

Opta data shows Pedro ranks in the bottom quartile for progressive passes and passes into the final third this season. This disconnection would disrupt an Arsenal side that’s spent years perfecting their attacking patterns.

Disciplinary concerns

The reported training ground bust-up between Pedro and Brighton manager Fabian Hürzeler in April raises serious red flags. According to the Express, Pedro was dropped from Brighton’s matchday squad following a heated exchange regarding tactical instructions. The Brazilian reportedly refused to adapt his positioning during training exercises, leading to a confrontation that required intervention from teammates.

This incident aligns with whispers from Brighton insiders that Pedro has struggled with the tactical demands placed on him. Arsenal’s success under Arteta has been built on non-negotiable standards of discipline and tactical obedience – qualities that appear to be potential weaknesses in Pedro’s professional profile.

Financial implications

The £59m asking price represents a staggering outlay for a player who has yet to demonstrate consistent elite-level performance. For perspective, this figure would make Pedro Arsenal’s 4th most expensive signing ever, behind the likes of Rice, Havertz and horribly wrong investment made on Nicolas Pépé – a cautionary tale of expensive recruitment gone wrong.

With Arsenal needing reinforcements in multiple positions – particularly a dominant central midfielder and depth at fullback – allocating such a significant portion of their summer budget to Pedro would limit their ability to address more pressing squad requirements.

Better alternatives exist

The market offers more suitable options at lower prices. Jonathan David of Lille, available for around £40m with one year left on his contract, provides superior link-up play and pressing. Viktor Gyokeres at Sporting has demonstrated exceptional finishing with 25 goals this season while thriving in a tactically sophisticated system and with the noise that Gyokores’ move to Arsenal is all but confirmed, Pedro’s move doesn’t make sense.

Both Gyokores and David would fit in Arteta’s system better. David ranks in the 89th percentile for progressive passes received among forwards, showcasing his ability to connect with midfielders – crucial in Arsenal’s setup.

The development bottleneck

The club’s successful integration of academy products into the first team has been a cornerstone of their recent resurgence. Breaking this successful model for a player who doesn’t clearly elevate the starting XI would represent a philosophical departure from the principles that have carried Arsenal back to contender status.

Conclusion: A step sideways, not forward

Arsenal’s project under Arteta has reached a critical juncture. After pushing Manchester City to the final day in successive title races, their next recruitment decisions must elevate the team to championship level.

Joao Pedro, despite his undeniable talent, represents a sideways step at an exorbitant price. His tactical limitations, questionable disciplinary record, and financial implications make this potential transfer a mistake Arsenal cannot afford to make.

As the summer transfer window approaches, Arsenal would be wise to pursue options that better complement their tactical identity (You can checkout our Scout report and SWOT analysis of Gyokores’ move to Arsenal here) and represent more efficient use of their resources. The pursuit of Pedro indicates admirable ambition, but successful recruitment requires more than targeting players with impressive highlight reels. It demands finding the right pieces to complete an already impressive puzzle.

Pedro isn’t that piece and at £59m, Arsenal’s championship aspirations demand a smarter approach.

Check all our Scout Reports here

Gyokeres Arsenal Switch “All But Confirmed” as Arteta Gives Green Light

Arsenal’s summer transfer strategy is taking shape with Swedish sensation Viktor Gyokeres reportedly on the verge of becoming the Gunners’ marquee signing. According to respected Portuguese publication O Jogo, “Everything indicates that Viktor Gyokeres will be a player of Arsenal next season,” with manager Mikel Arteta having “already given the green light” for the transfer.

The tweet was shared by Dean James,

https://twitter.com/DeanJamesAFC/status/1924731476664259046

The 26-year-old Sporting CP striker has been in devastating form this season, terrorizing defenses across Portugal and Europe with 43 goals in all competitions. His remarkable conversion rate and physical presence have made him one of the most sought-after forwards in world football.

Sporting’s remarkable Primeira Liga triumph has been built largely on Gyokeres’ goalscoring exploits, with the Swedish international demonstrating the complete package of attributes Arsenal have been searching for in their pursuit of a world-class number nine.

Arsenal’s interest in Gyokeres has been well-documented throughout the season, but competition from several Champions League clubs had raised doubts about the Gunners’ chances of securing his signature. However, this latest report suggests Arsenal have moved into pole position in what would likely be a club-record transfer.

The forward’s release clause is understood to be in the region of £85 million, though Arsenal are reportedly hoping to negotiate a lower fee with performance-related add-ons and set be in the region of £58.9m. Sources close to the club indicate that personal terms with the player have been progressing smoothly.

Arsenal legend Thierry Henry recently has spoken positively about Viktor Gyokeres, acknowledging his talent and potential. He has described Gyokeres as “unplayable” at times and noted his impressive performances in the Championship.

Conclusion

For Arsenal, securing Gyokeres would represent a significant statement of intent ahead of next season’s title challenge. With Gabriel Jesus out injured all season and Havertz being the only striking option up front along with the question marks over Leandro Trossard’s future, a clinical finisher of Gyokeres’ caliber would address Arsenal’s most glaring weakness.

Should the deal be completed, Arteta would have assembled one of the most balanced squads in European football. The potential arrival of Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi (Checkout Martin Zubimendi to Arsenal move’s tactical explanation) alongside Gyokeres would provide Arsenal with genuine depth across the pitch, ensuring they have the resources to compete domestically while managing the demands of Champions League football. (Checkout Viktor Gyokeres to Arsenal move’s Scout report)

As Arsenal await confirmation, fans have already started celebrating what could be the club’s most significant transfer since the arrival of Declan Rice last summer.

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