Arsenal are looking to improve on last season. Mikel Arteta’s were consistent in the Premier League until it mattered most. Arguably, what let his side down the most is the lack of depth within the squad, which cost them big time.
One player who went the whole season without requiring backup is the talented youngster Bukayo Saka. He is certainly one of the most important players in Arteta’s system so it’s lucky he wasn’t injured or suspended, given the fact there is no backup for him.
With that being said, Arteta’s next option is to sign a backup right-winger who can provide cover for Bukayo Saka if needed.
3 Bukayo Saka backup options for Arsenal and Mikel Arteta to consider
Let’s take a look at my 3 options…
1. Michael Olise
A player who is being considered by Mikel Arteta to provide backup to Bukayo Saka is Michael Olise of Crystal Palace. Although the French right-winger appeared to be Chelsea-bound, we reported that Arteta plans to swoop in.
Olise is the best option without a doubt. He would walk into a lot of first-teams within the Premier League, so to have him as an option on the bench is incredible.
If Olise were to be signed, he would play a role similar to Trossard. He can play as a central midfielder too, which would definitely help out Arteta with squad rotation.
2. Raphinha
Stunningly, the former Arsenal target, Raphinha, has been linked with a move to the Emirates Stadium again. Although, it is unlikely.
According to TEAMtalk, Mikel Arteta is keeping a keen eye on the Barcelona winger, who would provide sufficient backup to Bukayo Saka, on the chance that he will become available. It looks unlikely that Barcelona would be willing to sell him as he is important to them, however, given their efforts to balance the books in the transfer market, anything is possible.
Raphinha is a player who has been on the whiteboard for the Arsenal recruitment team for some time now. Boasting Premier League experience with Leeds United, the Brazil winger has only improved since then. In many ways, Arsenal would be getting their own (better) Richarlison.
Last season, the versatile Barcelona man bagged 7 La Liga goals and provided 7 assists for a well-rounded contribution to their title winning season.
3. Gabriel Jesus & other options
Alternatively, if Mikel Arteta would prefer to bring in a signing elsewhere, it wouldn’t be the end of the world. Strengthening in other positions could free up players such as Gabriel Jesus or Kai Havertz, who are more than able to play out on the wing if necessary.
Of course, the ideal situation would be for Arteta to bring in a specific player to provide cover for Bukayo Saka but given their spending in the transfer market already, it is important to consider some more frugal options.
At Manchester City, Gabriel Jesus predominantly played out on the wing. Given his style of play which doesn’t entirely centre around goals, he is suited to playing out on the wing too. I guess time will tell whether Arteta is crying out for a backup to Saka as much as the fans are.
Who would you like Arsenal to sign as backup to Bukayo Saka?