Considering that this is an Arsenal side heading for the top of the Premier League, and still clamoring for the treble, it is hard to suggest that there is any weakness in Mikel Arteta’s ranks.
That said, if there was one area the Gunners could be looking to improve, it’s on the flanks, with Bukayo Saka, Noni Madueke, Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard all enduring quiet campaigns, scoring just 14 league goals between them.
This north London club wants glory in any form, but there is still that feeling that this club cries out for a game-changer, a maverick, a match-winner, even though they enjoy an incredible record when it comes to scoring goals.
|
Most goals by subs – 25/26 PL |
||
|---|---|---|
|
The club |
Subscriptions made |
Record |
|
Arsenal |
134 |
11 |
|
The Villa |
144 |
9 |
|
Brighton |
144 |
9 |
|
Fulham |
146 |
9 |
|
Burnley |
138 |
8 |
|
Bournemouth |
140 |
8 |
They seem to need someone who can thrive in Arteta’s stable system, yet boast the individual brilliance to win games on his own. Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, anyone?
The latest in Arsenal’s pursuit of Kvaratskhelia
Seasons passed without the signing of a striker before Viktor Gyokeres moved to the Emirates in the summer, with club officials showing a willingness to wait, only jumping into the market when the right opportunity presented itself.
Such patience could be rewarded this summer as well, as the north London side have not signed a genuine left-back since the signing of Leandro Trossard in 2023.
Now may be the time to rectify that, with reports this week suggesting that the Gunners are exploring a move for Paris Saint-Germain star Kvaratskhelia.
It is encouraging that the player’s camp is said to be open to the move, despite the fact that the Georgian speedster only arrived from Napoli 14 months ago, before winning the Champions League in May.
The stumbling block, unsurprisingly, would be PSG’s desire to play tough football in relation to any sale, however the suggestion is that Arsenal will make the front line the priority this summer, when it comes to reinforcements.
Kvaratskhelia, a former Naples star, may be missing out on the Gunners’ long-awaited return, having hit new heights in Paris with 35 goals and assists in just 69 games for the Ligue 1 side.
That being said, one thing to keep in mind is that Arteta and co may be stifling the development of potential stars in the future, if they want to invest heavily in those wide roles.
Arsenal already have their Kvaratskhelia heading to the Emirates
Even 24-year-old Bukayo Saka feels like the captain of Arteta’s side when considering the current crop of youngsters, with 16-year-old pair Max Dowman and Marli Salmon both making impressive starts in the recent FA Cup clash with Mansfield.
Berta in talks: Arsenal are launching a bid to sign Max Dowman their next
In the hunt for another young star, Arsenal have made a bid to sign the impressive youngster.
Dowman, without a doubt, looks set to be Arsenal’s long-term project boy, although he will have competition in the side before too long, with the Gunners already making a double statement up front.
Indeed, it was reported in December that the people of north London had sealed the abduction of twins Edwin and Holger Quintero, who were to marry and move to England in the summer of 2027, when they turn 18.
Only 16 years old at the moment, this is something of a gamble about Arsenal, although the signs point to the brothers becoming real stars of the future, especially Edwin on the sidelines.
A very attacking couple who can boast of being the same as that man Kvaratskhelia, even if he works on the other side, who has shown his creativity, the quality that never stops at the youth level so far.
.
That was noted by analyst and Como scout Ben Mattinson, with the respected insider speaking highly of Edwin’s game-changing ability and playmaking ability, whether as a winger or not.10:
“[He’s] he is talented and always uses his tact to deceive defenders and make clever passes. He has the ability to run plays and create something out of nowhere.”
Such traits are very much in line with Kvaratskhelia’s skillset, and Quintero – currently on the books of Independiente del Valle – showed that quality at last year’s U17 CONMEBOL Championships, scoring twice in just five appearances for Ecuador, while averaging 5.7 successful dribbles per game.
It may be Brazil and Argentina that often produce the cream of the crop when it comes to South American talent, but as the rise of Moises Caicedo has shown, Ecuador certainly shouldn’t be overlooked.
Equally, Kvaratskhelia’s rise to the top of the European game is also a further reason for encouragement, having gone from disgrace in his home country and in Russia, before bursting onto the scene in Italy.
The 25-year-old is a bench player when it comes to top-flight players at the moment, but if Quintero’s development continues, he could be Arsenal’s attacking sensation before too long.
2027 can’t come soon enough.
Better than Saka: Arsenal eyeing move to sign £78m star
Bukayo Saka’s struggles are becoming increasingly worrying for Arsenal, who are now set for rapid improvement.
