Arsenal left winger search is expected to become a major focus of the club’s summer transfer strategy, with the possibility that a new arrival could eventually displace Gabriel Martinelli.
Sporting director Andrea Berta strengthened almost every area of the squad during the previous summer window, but one position that remained untouched was the left side of the attack. That gap has now become central to Arsenal’s forward planning.
While the squad contains players capable of operating on the left, none are viewed internally as a clear long-term solution.
As a result, the Arsenal left winger search is now seen as a priority ahead of the next transfer window.
Current options and positional limitations
Eberechi Eze and Noni Madueke are both able to play on the left flank, but their natural tendencies lie elsewhere.
Eze is most effective when deployed centrally, while Madueke is primarily used on the right. Neither player is considered a specialist left winger, which has reinforced the need for Arsenal to assess the market.
Leandro Trossard’s contract extension removed the possibility of a late-window addition in that area, and the Belgian has responded positively. With seven goals and six assists this season, Trossard has moved ahead of Martinelli in the pecking order.
However, at 31 years old, he is not viewed as a long-term option, further underlining why the Arsenal left winger search is focused on the future rather than the present.
Martinelli’s position under scrutiny
Gabriel Martinelli remains a key member of the squad, but his status is no longer untouchable. While he continues to offer pace and work rate, the emergence of Trossard as a more productive option has raised questions.
If Arsenal are to invest heavily in a new left-sided attacker, it could be Martinelli who ultimately makes way.
This context explains why the Arsenal left winger search has developed alongside wider discussions about squad balance and long-term succession planning under Mikel Arteta.
Arsenal linked with multiple winger targets
The scope of Arsenal’s search became clearer when The Athletic’s David Ornstein discussed potential targets last summer while speaking on NBC Sports.
Ornstein highlighted several wide players being monitored, confirming that the position was under close review.
“They’ll be looking at the wide positions like Anthony Gordon and Nico Williams,” Ornstein said at the time. He also referenced Antoine Semenyo and Rafael Leão as names frequently mentioned in reports, while noting uncertainty over the credibility of every link.
His comments nonetheless reinforced that the Arsenal left winger search was an active process.
Changing landscape rules out some options
Since those initial links, the market has shifted considerably. Semenyo is no longer an option following his move to Manchester City, while Nico Williams has committed his future to Athletic Club by signing a new contract.
Rafael Leão’s situation has also evolved, with talks ongoing over extending his stay at AC Milan.
These developments have narrowed the field, leaving Arsenal to reassess their shortlist as part of the wider Arsenal left winger search.
Anthony Gordon remains a name of interest
Anthony Gordon continues to stand out as a player whose future remains uncertain.
The Daily Mail reported in August that Arsenal had expressed an interest in the Newcastle United winger, and that interest has not been publicly dismissed.
Despite signing improved terms with Newcastle in late 2024, Gordon’s output has slowed in domestic competition. He has scored two Premier League goals this season, both from the penalty spot.
In contrast, he has been more prolific in the Champions League, scoring five goals in six appearances, although more than half of those have also come from penalties.
Valuation and transfer complexity
Gordon joined Newcastle from Everton for £45 million in January 2023, and his value has risen over the past three years. CIES Football Observatory currently values him at €68.9 million, just under £60 million.
However, given his age, Premier League experience, and contract length, Newcastle are expected to demand significantly more.
This presents a challenge within the Arsenal left winger search, especially as Newcastle continue to manage profit and sustainability regulations. Any deal would likely require substantial negotiation.
Liverpool interest and Gordon’s stance
Liverpool previously showed interest in Gordon, with a move to Anfield coming close ahead of the 2024/25 season before ultimately falling through.
Since then, Gordon has addressed speculation about his future, offering comments that suggest he is settled on Tyneside.
Speaking to the Premier League, he described the past three years as the best of his footballing career and life away from the pitch. He expressed hope for many more appearances and continued success with Newcastle, comments that indicate no immediate desire to leave.
Arsenal planning beyond the present
Despite these complications, the Arsenal left winger search is expected to continue throughout the summer.
With Trossard entering the latter stages of his career and Martinelli facing increasing competition, Arsenal are positioning themselves to secure a long-term solution who fits Arteta’s tactical demands.
Whether that leads to a high-profile signing or a more understated acquisition remains to be seen. What is clear is that Arsenal’s recruitment team view the left flank as an area that will shape the next phase of the project.
As the transfer window approaches, the Arsenal left winger search will remain one of the most closely watched aspects of the club’s summer business.
