Bukayo Saka came roaring back to life for Arsenal as they hammered Fulham and in doing so, he’s shown Arsenal just what’s needed this summer.
Saka scored one and set another up as he and Viktor Gyokeres put the Cottagers to the sword with ease.
For the returning Saka, it was a vital 45 minutes under his belt and he’ll go into the clash with Atletico Madrid feeling super confident he can impact the game.
But while the performance of Saka was brilliant to witness on the day, it also showed what Arsenal desperately lack on the opposite side.
Bukayo Saka’s brilliance shows Arsenal need a carbon copy on the other side
We’ve all heard the talk over the last few weeks how Arsenal are looking to sign a new left winger this summer.
The likes of Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard have not quite done it this season often enough, while Noni Madueke needs to improve as well as Saka’s understudy.
In fairness, Trossard played very well against Fulham but compared to what Saka delivered, it’s night and day.
As we see with Man City, the wide duo of Antoine Semenyo and Jeremy Doku are equally devastating on either side of the field. That takes the pressure off, meaning if one is having a slight off day, the other will normally deliver.
After seeing what Saka produced today, that’s what Arsenal now need to go and get on the left side.
The Gunners need another wide player who can deliver the output and quality that Saka brings to the table. Goals, assists, and a constant threat from both sides of the field will be huge and could take Arsenal up yet another notch.
Quite who that winger is, remains to be seen.
Who Arsenal could sign to be their left-sided Bukayo Saka
The big name from the Premier League getting a mention is Newcastle’s Anthony Gordon. He has pace, an eye for goal and experience in England that makes him an ideal target.
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Incredible in the midfield against Fulham
Abroad, the likes of Baris Yilmaz have been mentioned, while a far-fetched rumour suggesting a move for PSG’s Khvicha Kvaratskhelia is never going to happen.
Closer to home again, Bournemouth’s Junior Kroupi is on the list as well. He is a raw talent and not on the level of Saka but still, one to develop.
However, if Arsenal are to get to a PSG or Bayern level in attack, they might have to splash the cash on a world-class talent.
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