Arsenal hold contract talks with ‘one of the best wingers in the world’

On an individual level, this has been one of Bukayo Saka’s toughest seasons at Arsenal, if not his toughest.

A long-term hamstring injury cruelly ruled him out of many games last season, and he has struggled with fitness this season.

I also struggled with the form. Saka’s goal in Saturday’s 3-0 win against Fulham was his third since early December. It was the first time in 17 months that he had scored and assisted in the same Premier League game.

But with the title on the line, the winger is coming back to life at just the right time. He’s hitting form when it matters most. The club has a huge chance of winning the league and the Champions League.

However, one of the challenges heading into the summer will be finding a new Saka to play on the left wing.

Arsenal eyeing big-money winger

One of the biggest problems facing the Gunners this season is their lack of attacking power. Victor Gokeres may have scored 21 goals in all competitions, but he hasn’t received much help from his players on the flank, especially on the left.

That’s why Andrea Berta and co have to work hard to sign a new winger. Fortunately, it looks like there could be quite a few on the market.

Anthony Gordon is reported to be the main target, but he faces stiff competition from Bayern Munich for his signature. The chance to play abroad and the Bundesliga title being practically guaranteed would definitely be attractive to him.

Another target is PSG’s Hviča Kvaratscheria, but that seems unlikely given his form. The Georgian has scored 18 goals this season, 10 of which came in 14 Champions League games. he is elite

However, his form gives PSG a chance to win over another exciting forward, Bradley Barcola.

This is according to a report from TEAMtalk, which claims that Barcola’s representatives are in talks with various clubs across Europe to resolve his future, while contract negotiations in the French capital have stalled.

In fact, the player’s camp have already confirmed that they are in talks with the likes of Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester United to sign him this summer.

However, it is notable that Liverpool are aware of the need to replace Mohamed Salah and the injured Hugo Ekitike and are paying the most attention to the situation.

Why Barcola could be Arsenal’s new asset

Arsenal’s biggest priority this summer will be finding a left-wing version of Saka. After all, the position that poses the biggest problem for Mikel Arteta in 2025/26 is the left wing.

Gabriel Martinelli has been outstanding in cup competitions and is Arsenal’s second-top scorer this season with 11 goals. However, only one of those shots came in the Premier League.

As for Leandro Trossard, he hasn’t scored in the last 23 games and has yet to find the back of the net in 2026. He returned to form last weekend, assisting Gokeres’ second goal and completing a career-high with six dribbles.

But this should be the end for both of them at the Emirates, especially for Trossard. Barcola may be able to acquire a player who can play an active role in the new squad, albeit from the opposing side, and a significant upgrade.

En route to Champions League glory last season, the 23-year-old scored 21 goals and provided an equal number of assists in all competitions. These are very good numbers, elite numbers.

Barcola’s performance slowed down in 2025/26, with 12 goals and 7 assists, but his playing time was more limited, so there is a good chance he could feature.

Hailed as “one of the best wingers in the world” by Como scout Ben Mattinson, the Frenchman is a true game-changing talent and could be just the player Arsenal are looking for in their attack line.

As agile as Saka, he instills fear when he lunges at opposing defenders. He is a difficult customer to deal with and Arteta has lacked that on the left wing this term.

Both are elite ball-retaining players and rank very close in terms of progressive carries. Across Europe’s top five leagues, Arsenal’s number seven ranks in the best 15% of European wingers in this metric. Barcola ranks in the top 13%.

He also ranks close behind in key passes for the 2025/26 season. Saka is in the top 3% of wingers in this statistic, while PSG’s French superstar is in the top 6%.

For far too long, Arsenal have needed a truly world-class left winger. Having Saka on the right and Barcola on the left can create a truly terrifying forward dynamic.