Why Arteta faces problem in Arsenal pursuit of winger Romelu Lukaku thinks is ‘incredible’

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Arsenal are in the market for a new winger this summer, but they face a big issue as they pursue several transfer targets.

Mikel Arteta is keen to strengthen the Arsenal front line, which despite scoring well last season, does lack a bit of speed and dynamism, and could benefit from more depth.

A wide forward or winger may be targeted instead of a number nine given the strong form of Kai Havertz in a central role, and the latest player to be linked is PSV Eindhoven sensation Johan Bakayoko.

The 21-year-old, who recently came on to play alongside Leandro Trossard in Belgium’s disappointing Euro 2024 defeat to Slovakia, may be seen as an option who can add pace and goal threat to Arsenal’s attack, but there is a key problem.

Arsenal target Johan Bakayoko unlikely to want Emirates move

Bakayoko exclusively played on the right wing for PSV this season, scoring 14 and assisting 14 times in 48 games across all competitions, and was described as “incredible” by Belgium striker Romelu Lukaku.

This represents a problem should he join the Arsenal squad. With Bukayo Saka the guaranteed starter on the right wing, Bakayoko’s minutes would be limited unless he adapts to a role on the left.

Following recent links between Bakayoko and Arsenal, Belgian journalist Marco Timmer revealed that the player was surprised, given that he is unlikely to be a starter in the short term should he move to North London.

“A little more about Bakayoko and Arsenal. The player’s entourage was surprised by the news in the media because the last time there was contact between the parties was a year ago. It is clear that Bakayoko only wants to go to a club where the chance of playing time is very high,” he posted on X.

What kind of winger can Arsenal target this summer?

Having already faced rejection over striker Benjamin Sesko, Arsenal face a tough job this summer as they will need to convince their targets they will receive first-team opportunities despite the current strength of the starting XI.

The ideal winger for Arsenal this summer would be someone who could cover for Saka on the right, but also start on the left or centrally to ensure that they can still offer speed in the front line alongside the England star.

Nico Williams of Athletic Bilbao has been linked, but again, questions remain over whether the player can be convinced over a move, and this is an issue that is likely to affect several targets.