With Bukayo Saka’s new injury concerns, Arsenal should prioritise Pedro Neto in the January transfer window.
When Leandro Trossard joined in January of last season, I thought the Gunners had finally found their Diogo Jota. Gabriel Jesus’ prolonged absence appeared to be answered by the Belgian, who became something of an assist machine and demonstrated his versatility to play on the left and in the centre, even securing an assist when playing right wing against Leeds United.
However, as the new campaign has advanced through its early phases, the injuries suffered by Gabriel Martinelli, Gabriel Jesus, and now Bukayo Saka have caused me to reconsider that theory, and despite my admiration for Trossard, I want more. Trossard was brought in after the club failed to sign Mykhailo Mudryk, who instead headed to Chelsea.
Many fans have been laughing as they watch the Ukrainian struggle in west London. I can’t blame them; he’s been disappointing and only scored his first Premier League goal last Monday against Fulham.
While Trossard has definitely been a great signing, he lacks something that Arteta admired about Mudryk’s profile – speed. Arsenal has enough of speed in Saka and Martinelli, but beyond these two starts, the roster is severely weak.
Even at full-back, Arteta has favoured hybrid alternatives, and Ben White, Takehiro Tomiyasu, and Oleksandr Zinchenko are not slow, but they are not Reece James-types. As a result, a January transfer for some extra nitrous would be immensely welcomed.
Who then becomes the question? Which player can provide Arsenal with enough Premier League quality, adaptability to cover numerous spots in the attacking line, and speed?
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Pedro Neto would be my preference in the winter. After missing so much of the previous season due to injury, the Portuguese international has returned to a new season looking like a completely different player.
So far, he has five goals in seven games, having a huge influence in bringing Manchester City to their knees at Molineux by forcing an own goal from Ruben Dias. A goal and four assists are his numerical mini-trophies, but it is his speed that can scare most full-backs that has made him Arteta’s long-term ambition.
Arsenal has apparently been interested for some time and inquired during previous summer transfer seasons. He is also a self-confessed Arsenal fan, which adds another dimension of desire to his persona.
The most important aspect for me is that he is a left-footed winger. Finally, another quick, nimble, and inverted right-winger with the ability to operate on both flanks.
If Saka requires rest, rotation, or cover after an injury, here is a Premier League-ready 23-year-old emerging star. Complete the task, bring him in, and let the results speak for themselves.
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