Arsenal could add another winger to Mikel Arteta’s squad after Rodrygo as Ethan Nwaneri concerns grow
Arsenal are not ruling out the possibility of signing two wingers this summer, although this may negatively impact Ethan Nwaneri, Arsenal Insider understands.
The Gunners are eager to add increased offensive firepower to Mikel Arteta’s ranks after scoring 17 goals fewer than Premier League title winners Liverpool last season.
Rodrygo is Arsenal’s primary target, while the likes of Noni Madueke, Anthony Gordon and Mohammed Kudus continue to be linked with a switch to N5.
A left-sided player who can usurp Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard is the priority, although Andrea Berta is also keen on supplying Bukayo Saka with more serious cover and competition on the right.
However, while Nwaneri is expected to sign a new contract, the teenager is increasingly concerned about where his game time is going to come from, and these potential additions would only exacerbate this.
Arsenal could sign two wingers this summer
Arsenal’s 2024/25 season was derailed by injuries to their forward line, with the likes of Saka, Gabriel Jesus, Kai Havertz and Martinelli all sustaining serious setbacks at various points.
The North London club’s hierarchy are eager for this not to happen again, and are subsequently looking to strengthen their forward depth this summer.
While a striker is almost certain to arrive, at least one winger is also understood to be at the top of Berta’s list of priorities.
However, depending on the financial plausibility of doing so, the Gunners could go one further and bring in two dynamic wide men.
“They do want a winger and don’t rule out one for the right as well,” transfer expert Graeme Bailey told Arsenal Insider.
“They’re not desperate to shift Trossard or Martinelli out the door either, we know they’re in contract talks with the latter.
“I don’t see a world where they don’t bring in a wide forward at all, as well as a central striker. Don’t be surprised if they do two wide men.”
Rodrygo looks the most likely Arsenal winger signing, and the Gunners would then turn to a more right-sided player like Madueke if they do choose to add another.
Ethan Nwaneri is worried about his game time at Arsenal
Adding two high-quality wide men to compete with the likes of Saka and Martinelli would certainly excite Arsenal fans, but these movements in the market could also have an adverse impact on Nwaneri’s playing time.
The teenager started eleven games in the Premier League last season, nine of which came on the right wing in Saka’s absence.
With Saka back fit and playing regularly, as well as another right-sided forward potentially in Arteta’s squad, minutes could be few and far between for Nwaneri.
“What impact does that [signing two wingers] have on Nwaneri?” Bailey queried.
“I would be concerned about Nwaneri. It’s not really to do with his contract either, really. He’s just worried about his game time and future, and whether he sees one at Arsenal.
“It’s all very well that they might bring in two wingers, but it’s not ideal for him.”