As new injury concerns regarding Bukayo Saka surface, Arsenal must prioritise Pedro Neto in the January transfer window.
Leandro Trossard’s arrival in January of the previous campaign gave me the impression that the Gunners had finally found their own Diogo Jota replacement. The Belgian player appeared to be Gabriel Jesus’ long-awaited replacement. He turned into something of an assist machine and showed off his versatility by playing on the left, through the middle, and even on the right wing against Leeds United.
The injuries sustained by Gabriel Martinelli, Gabriel Jesus, and now Bukayo Saka have caused me to rethink that hypothesis as the new campaign has moved through its early stages, and while I appreciate Trossard’s steadfastness, I want more. Trossard was a signing that was made after Mykhailo Mudryk, who ended up going to Chelsea, was unsuccessfully pursued.
Many people have been idly laughing while observing the Ukrainian’s difficulties in west London. He has been disappointing, and only last Monday versus Fulham did he score his first Premier League goal, so I can’t really blame them.
Trossard has obviously been a great acquisition, but he lacks Mudryk’s profile’s one attribute that Arteta openly adored: pace. Saka and Martinelli, two of Arsenal’s starters, both possess a lot of pace, but the rest of the team severely lacks it.
Arteta has favoured hybrid options even at full-back. Ben White, Takehiro Tomiyasu, and Oleksandr Zinchenko aren’t slow, but they aren’t the world’s Reece James either. Consequently, a motion for some further nitrogen in January would be very appreciated.
then, who is the question? Which player can provide Arsenal with adequate Premier League calibre, enough adaptability to play several attacking positions, and the necessary speed?
Before the Man City game, Pep Guardiola demonstrated to Mikel Arteta how to avoid a Bukayo Saka Arsenal injury.
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In the winter, Pedro Neto would be my pick. After missing so much of the previous one due to injury, the Portuguese international has come back to a new season rejuvenated and appears to be a completely different player.
Five goals have been contributed to in seven games so far, and Ruben Dias’ own goal forced at Molineux played a significant part in bringing Manchester City to their knees. The numerical mini-trophies he has are a goal and four assists, but it is his speed, which can intimidate most full-backs, that has made him Arteta’s long-term ambition.
According to reports, Arsenal has been interested for some time and has made inquiries throughout the summer. He also freely admits to being a fan of the Gunners, which gives his profile yet more edge.
The fact that he is a left-footed winger, however, is what really stands out to me. Another inverted right-winger who is quick, nimble, and capable of playing on the other flank is now available.
Here is a 23-year-old emerging star of the league in case Saka needs to take a break, be rotated, or be covered during an injury. Complete the task, bring the man in, and let the outcomes speak for themselves.
