Arsenal endured a frustrating summer transfer window in 2026, missing out on two high-profile left-wing targets as Vinicius Junior and Bradley Barcola slipped away. The Brazilian remained committed to Real Madrid despite contract delays, while the Parisian winger's £123 million price tag proved prohibitive before Liverpool moved in. Yet according to former Gunners winger Jermaine Pennant, Mikel Arteta's squad has actually weakened in attacking depth, setting the stage for a move on a world-class replacement.
Departures Expose Arsenal's Vulnerability on the Left
The departures of Leandro Trossard and Gabriel Martinelli have left a considerable void in Arsenal's attacking arsenal. Trossard, who scored crucial goals during the title-winning campaign—including a decisive effort against West Ham—has departed for Besiktas, while Martinelli ended his seven-year tenure by joining Al-Hilal in the Saudi Pro League. Christos Tzolis now occupies the left-wing berth, but his arrival alone fails to compensate for the loss of two proven contributors in the Premier League.
Pennant told GOAL that the Gunners "have actually got weaker" going forward, particularly down the flanks. "Without Trossard, they probably wouldn't have won the league," he explained, highlighting the midfielder's match-winning moments at Villa Park and elsewhere. The current left-side options lack the defensive cover and tactical flexibility that characterized Arsenal's title push, forcing Arteta to experiment with Eberechi Eze, a natural midfielder, in emergency situations.
Striker Uncertainty Compounds Attacking Concerns
Arsenal's frontline predicament extends beyond the wings. Viktor Gyokeres, signed as a marquee £50 million striker 12 months ago, has surrendered his starting role to Kai Havertz despite scoring 21 goals in his debut season. The Sweden international's inability to cement his position suggests deeper issues with tactical fit, while Havertz—acquired as a versatile forward—has never demonstrated the 15-to-20-goal consistency required of a primary number nine. This uncertainty has reinforced Pennant's assessment that Arsenal's attack requires fundamental reinforcement.
With rivals strengthening across England—Chelsea, Manchester United, Liverpool, and Manchester City all expected to pursue January acquisitions—Arsenal cannot afford complacency. Arteta possesses sufficient financial resources to act decisively, and the left-wing position remains the most obvious deficiency. Signing a "superstar" winger would address both immediate need and long-term ambition as the Gunners prepare for intensified competition across the Premier League and Champions League through 2027.
