Arsenal Face Fresh Left-Wing Selection Dilemma Ahead of Bayern Munich Trip
Arsenal must reshuffle their left side again after Christos Tzolis suffered a muscle injury, with Bayern Munich away in the Champions League awaiting on Wednesday.
Eberechi Eze was used on the left in Arsenal’s latest Premier League match against Nottingham Forest, but Noni Madueke replaced him at half-time and scored the decisive goal. Mikel Arteta now has another selection call to make before the trip to the Allianz Arena, where Harry Kane’s Bayern will provide a major test.
Who is affected
- Tzolis is unavailable while he recovers from his muscle problem.
- Eze has already been deployed wide as Arsenal look for solutions.
- Madueke strengthened his case for a bigger role by scoring against Forest.
- Leandro Trossard and Gabriel Martinelli left after Tzolis arrived.
- Ezri Konsa and Bruno Guimaraes were added to reinforce Arsenal’s defence and midfield following last season’s Premier League title success.
Arsenal had explored several elite attacking options before their current situation developed. Vinicius Junior was linked with a move, but committed his future to Real Madrid, while Bradley Barcola instead joined Liverpool.
Barcola was understood to have carried a £123 million ($164m) valuation during discussions. Arsenal moved away rather than commit such a large share of their budget to one player.
Kvaratskhelia remains difficult target
Khvicha Kvaratskhelia has also been discussed as a potential answer on the left, but a move from PSG appears highly unlikely. Former Arsenal player Gilles Grimandi believes the Georgian has the ability to play for any leading European side and rates him among the strongest players in his position.
Grimandi highlighted Kvaratskhelia’s impact in high-pressure matches, his defensive work and his efficiency in the final third. He also suggested the winger has been managing his appearances this season with the key spring fixtures in mind.
However, Grimandi does not expect Arsenal to complete a deal. PSG have no financial need to sell and Kvaratskhelia’s wages would make any approach complicated. Unlike Barcola, who was not expected to begin the season in PSG’s first-choice XI, Kvaratskhelia is viewed as a crucial player for the decisive part of the campaign.
What happens next
- Arteta must settle on a replacement plan for Tzolis before Wednesday.
- Arsenal travel to Germany to face Bayern Munich in the Champions League.
- The Gunners will continue to assess their wide options, but Kvaratskhelia is not expected to become an attainable signing in the immediate future.
