Arsenal Urged to Add Left-Wing Star Despite Perfect Start
Arsenal have opened the 2026-27 season with four straight wins, beating Napoli in their Champions League opener after three flawless Premier League matches — but concern remains over the depth on Mikel Arteta’s left flank.
Quick facts
- Kai Havertz has started up front, with Viktor Gyokeres used from the bench.
- Leandro Trossard has joined Besiktas and Gabriel Martinelli has moved to Al-Hilal.
- Christos Tzolis is currently operating from the left of Arsenal’s attack.
- Bukayo Saka has scored twice this season, while Martin Odegaard has found form again as a creator.
- Arsenal explored moves for Vinicius Jr and Bradley Barcola, but neither transfer happened.
Gyokeres arrived in north London for a major fee a year ago to answer Arsenal’s long-running centre-forward problem. The Sweden international scored 21 times in his first campaign, yet he has not secured the No.9 shirt and is currently behind Havertz in Arteta’s plans.
Former Arsenal winger Jermaine Pennant believes the attack has lost important options despite the team’s perfect start. He argued that rivals will continue improving their squads when the January market opens, leaving Arsenal with no room to stand still.
Pennant said Arsenal have become weaker in attacking areas following the exits of Trossard and Martinelli. Trossard delivered several decisive contributions last season, including key goals against West Ham and Aston Villa, while Martinelli remained a useful impact substitute despite declining numbers.
“They have to strengthen at some point,” Pennant said of a potential move for an elite left winger. “Chelsea, Manchester United, Liverpool and Manchester City will go back into the market in January and improve again.”
Left-wing question remains
Tzolis has taken over on the left, but Pennant feels Arsenal would be exposed if the Greek winger is unavailable. He does not see Eberechi Eze as a natural wide replacement, viewing him instead as a midfield player.
“If Tzolis gets injured, that side is in trouble,” Pennant said. “They have improved defensively, but they need more going forward.”
He also questioned the decision to return to Havertz up front, arguing that the German has never been a regular 15-to-20-goal striker. Gyokeres, meanwhile, has had to accept a reduced role after his productive debut year.
Arsenal did investigate the possibility of signing Vinicius Jr while the Brazil forward’s Real Madrid contract situation was unresolved. He stayed at the Santiago Bernabeu, however, and remains one of Madrid’s marquee names.
Paris Saint-Germain’s Bradley Barcola was another target. Arsenal asked about the Champions League winner but stepped away after being told a deal would require £123 million ($166m), with Liverpool then making their move.
Arteta can point to an encouraging early record, plus the revived influence of Odegaard and Saka’s two goals. Arsenal also have greater financial backing than in previous windows, but the loss of two experienced left-sided attackers could yet force another move for reinforcements.
