Arsenal are expected to sign a new winger this summer.
The Gunners have Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard on one side and Bukayo Saka on the other. Ethan Nwaneri, who is naturally a number 10, has filled in on the right on several occasions this season.
Despite that, Arsenal are looking for a new wide player, someone who is naturally a left-winger but is also capable of playing on the opposite side.
Mikel Arteta has added an exciting name to his shortlist ahead of the summer transfer window.
Mikel Arteta thinks Rafael Leao would be an upgrade on Gabriel Martinelli
Rafael Leao is one of the best attackers in the Serie A.
The Portugal international, who joined AC Milan from Lille for £32 million in 2019, (Goal) possesses rapid pace, is an excellent dribbler, and he has shown that he can create and score goals in the final third.
Leao has been linked with a move to the Premier League for a long time now, but a move away from AC Milan has not materialised.
Now, GiveMeSport have claimed that Arsenal have added Leao to their shortlist as they look to strengthen their wide areas.
The report claims that the winger has been ‘pinpointed by boss Arteta and influential figures at the Emirates Stadium as a potential upgrade on Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard‘.
It has also been claimed that signing someone like Leao will also make Saka’s life easier ‘as opponents would not necessarily look to shut off the supply to their academy graduate’.
If Arsenal do get Leao, he is expected to start next season ahead of both Martinelli and Trossard.
Rafael Leao vs Gabriel Martinelli stats compared
Leao and Martinelli, on their day, are both match winners.
The two wingers play in the same position, have very similar traits and are capable of destroying the opposition full-back when they’re at their best.
The report claims that Arteta thinks Leao would be an upgrade on Martinelli at Arsenal, but what do the stats say?
| Games | Goals | Assists | Minutes per goal or assist | |
| Rafael Leao at AC Milan | 258 | 70 | 62 | 133.39 |
| Gabriel Martinelli at Arsenal | 223 | 51 | 29 | 175.92 |
The numbers show that Leao is far more efficient than Martinelli in the final third. That explains why Arteta believes he would be an upgrade on his Brazilian winger.
But, we think Leao should be brought to compete with Martinelli, not to replace him.
The two wingers together will bring the best out of each other, and their electric pace will keep the opposition defence worried throughout the game.
