Arsenal is currently reaping the rewards of its investment in youth talent, particularly in the attacking wide positions, where they boast two of Europe’s finest wingers, Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli.
These two young stars have become pivotal members of Mikel Arteta’s squad, offering a formidable threat from both flanks.
Bukayo Saka, a product of Arsenal’s youth system, has made an impressive impact, contributing to 82 goals in 184 appearances since his debut.
Similarly, Gabriel Martinelli, signed from Ituano, has notched 33 goals and 21 assists in 135 games, earning himself a place in the Brazilian national team.
Backing up this dynamic duo, Arsenal has additional options in Reiss Nelson and Leandro Trossard, who have proven their worth when called upon.
However, despite this wealth of talent, the club continues to be linked with more attacking players, thanks to Stan Kroenke’s £200 million spending spree on Declan Rice, Kai Havertz, Jurrien Timber, and David Raya.
While recent years have seen improved business under Edu Gaspar’s stewardship, there have been moments when Kroenke’s financial resources haven’t been optimally utilized.
In light of this, we evaluate the various wingers who have arrived at Arsenal since Kroenke became the majority shareholder in April 2011, ranking them from worst to best:
- Nicolas Pepe: A £72 million signing from Lille in 2019, Pepe’s early promise faded, resulting in a loan spell at OGC Nice. His future at Arsenal is uncertain.
- Takuma Asano: Signed from Sanfreece Hiroshima, the Japanese international never made an appearance for Arsenal, eventually moving to VfL Bochum in Germany.
- Willian: His free transfer from Chelsea in 2020 raised eyebrows, and a single season at Arsenal ended with his contract being terminated due to “virtual threats.”
- Lucas Perez: Despite a decent goal-scoring record, Perez’s time at Arsenal was brief, and he ultimately moved to West Ham.
- Henrikh Mkhitaryan: Part of a swap deal with Alexis Sanchez, Mkhitaryan struggled to make a lasting impact at Arsenal before moving to Roma.
- Gervinho: A fan favorite, Gervinho scored and assisted regularly during his time at Arsenal before moving to Roma.
- Yossi Benayoun: Signed on loan, Benayoun contributed with goals and assists but moved on to West Ham and Queens Park Rangers before retiring.
- Joel Campbell: Wenger’s signing, Campbell had multiple loan spells before leaving Arsenal permanently, now playing in Costa Rica.
- Marquinhos: A promising young talent, Marquinhos has limited Arsenal appearances and recently spent time on loan at Norwich City.
- Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain: A notable youth acquisition, Oxlade-Chamberlain played a significant role at Arsenal before moving to Liverpool.
- Leandro Trossard: A recent signing, Trossard has already made an impact with assists and is expected to play a key role in Arsenal’s future.
- Lukas Podolski: Podolski enjoyed a successful stint before leaving for Galatasaray.
- Alexis Sanchez: Sanchez’s prolific spell at Arsenal won hearts but ended with a controversial move to Manchester United.
- Gabriel Martinelli: A sensational bargain from Ituano, Martinelli has quickly become one of Europe’s most exciting forwards, with an astronomical market value.
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