Considering this is an Arsenal side surging toward the Premier League title, and still in with a shout of claiming the treble, it’s hard to suggest there is a position of weakness in Mikel Arteta‘s ranks.
That said, if there was one area that the Gunners might look to address, it is on the flanks, with Bukayo Saka, Noni Madueke, Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard all enduring muted campaigns, having scored just 14 league goals between them.
The north London side look on course for glory regardless, but there’s still that nagging feeling that this team is crying out for a game-changer, a maverick, a match-winner, albeit while enjoying a stellar record when it comes to goal-scoring substitutes.
|
Most goals by subs – 25/26 PL |
||
|---|---|---|
|
Club |
Subs made |
Record |
|
Arsenal |
134 |
11 |
|
Villa |
144 |
9 |
|
Brighton |
144 |
9 |
|
Fulham |
146 |
9 |
|
Burnley |
138 |
8 |
|
Bournemouth |
140 |
8 |
They appear to need someone who can thrive in Arteta’s settled system, yet boasts the individual genius to be able to win games almost on his own. Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, anyone?
The latest on Arsenal’s pursuit of Kvaratskhelia
Seasons went by without a striker signing before Viktor Gyokeres rocked up at the Emirates over the summer, with the club hierarchy showcasing a willingness to wait, only pouncing in the market when the right opportunity presents itself.
Such patience could well be rewarded this summer too, with the north London side having not signed a genuine left-winger since the capture of Leandro Trossard back in 2023.
Now might be the time to put that right, with reports this week revealing that the Gunners are actually exploring a move for Paris Saint-Germain’s fleet-footed superstar, Kvaratskhelia.
Encouragingly, the player’s camp are said to be open to the move, despite the fact that the Georgian speedster only arrived from Napoli 14 months ago, prior to winning the Champions League back in May.
The stumbling block, unsurprisingly, would be PSG’s desire to play hardball regarding any sale, yet the suggestion is that Arsenal will make the forward line a priority this summer, when it comes to reinforcements.
Kvaratskhelia, the former golden boy of Naples, is potentially the missing piece that the Gunners have been craving, having gone to a whole new level in Paris with 35 goals and assists in just 69 games for the Ligue 1 side.
That being said, one factor to bear in mind is whether Arteta and co might stunt the growth of potential future stars, if they are to invest heavily in those wide roles.
Arsenal already have their own Kvaratskhelia heading to the Emirates
Even 24-year-old Bukayo Saka feels like an elder statesman of Arteta’s side when considering the crop of youngsters who are emerging right now, with the 16-year-old pair of Max Dowman and Marli Salmon both notably starting in the recent FA Cup clash with Mansfield.
Berta in talks: Arsenal launch bid to sign their next Max Dowman
On the hunt for another young star, Arsenal have made an offer to sign an impressive young forward.
Dowman, undoubtedly, looks set to be the poster boy of Arsenal’s long-term project, although he will have competition on the flanks before too long, with the Gunners having already made a statement double move in advance.
Indeed, it was reported back in December that the north Londoners had sealed the capture of twin brothers Edwin and Holger Quintero, the teenage pairing set to move to England in the summer of 2027, upon turning 18.
Still only 16 at present, this is something of a gamble as far as Arsenal are concerned, although the signs point to the brothers being real stars of the future, particularly Edwin on the flanks.
It is the more attack-minded of the pair who could well boast similarities to that man Kvaratskhelia, even while typically operating on the opposite side, having showcased his own maverick, relentless quality at youth level to date.
That has been noted by analyst and Como scout Ben Mattinson, with the respected insider having spoken highly of Edwin’s own game-changing ability and dribbling prowess, be it as a winger or no.10:
“[He’s] so skilful and constantly uses flair to fool defenders and make smart passes. He has the ability to run games and create something out of nothing.”
Such traits very much tally with Kvaratskhelia’s skillset, with Quintero – currently on the books at Independiente del Valle – having showcased that quality in last year’s U17 CONMEBOL Championships, scoring twice in just five appearances for Ecuador, while averaging a stellar 5.7 successful dribbles per game.
It may be Brazil and Argentina that typically produce the cream of the crop when it comes to South American talents, but as Moises Caicedo’s ascent has demonstrated, Ecuador certainly shouldn’t be overlooked.
Equally, Kvaratskhelia’s own rise to the top of the European game is also a further reason for encouragement, having navigated his way through spells in his homeland and in Russia, prior to exploding onto the scene in Italy.
The 25-year-old is the benchmark when it comes to elite wingers right now, yet if Quintero’s early progression is anything to go by, he could be Arsenal’s own attacking sensation before too long.
2027 can’t come soon enough.
He’s better than Saka: Arsenal exploring move to sign £78m-rated superstar
Bukayo Saka’s struggles are becoming more and more concerning for Arsenal, who have now set their sights on an instant upgrade.
