Arsenal were unable to sign a winger in the summer transfer window, despite the clear need to strengthen in the wide areas. Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli have a lot of pressure to perform until the next opportunity to address this area of the pitch opens in January, but there is a risk of burnout.
The lack of depth in this area has been clear in recent months as Eddie Nketiah had been forced to play on the wing in back-to-back matches, despite naturally being a forward. Mikel Arteta hasn’t utilised a different wing option other than the two starters since Emile Smith Rowe’s injury in September.
One player who the club were reportedly looking to sign in the summer transfer window was Cody Gakpo. But with a deal never managing to materialise, the Dutchman’s excellent progress in the early months of the season highlights why Arsenal need to return for the winger in January.
