Arsenal's Winger Alternatives After Missing Vinicius Jr.

Finding a winger for Arsenal who can match the excitement and elite statistics of Vinicius Jr. is a significant challenge.

The club and sporting director Andrea Berta are considering several alternatives to bolster the forward line, with manager Mikel Arteta emphasizing that any new signing must elevate the team's performance.

While Arsenal has already brought in Christos Tzolis from Club Brugge, a move seen as a replacement for the departing Leandro Trossard, the 24-year-old Greek international showed promising form with 22 goals and 29 assists last season. Although replicating such numbers might be ambitious, Tzolis has displayed flashes of brilliance during pre-season.

Previously, Arsenal had shown interest in Paris Saint-Germain's Bradley Barcola, but Liverpool's involvement and PSG's hefty price tag of over £100 million complicated any potential move. Another target, Morgan Rogers, was also on Arsenal's radar before his £117 million transfer to Chelsea from Aston Villa, though Arsenal was reportedly unwilling to exceed £80 million for the English player.

The pursuit of value remains a key objective for Berta. Kenan Yildiz from Juventus has emerged as a potential left-winger target. The 21-year-old Turkish international had a standout 2025-26 season, contributing 11 goals and 10 assists in 47 appearances across all competitions. His versatility, ability to play across the front line, and unpredictable dribbling style, which often leaves defenders guessing whether he will shoot or cross, make him an appealing prospect for Arteta.

Statistical data from Opta highlights Yildiz's creative prowess. In Europe's top five leagues last season, only Bruno Fernandes and Romano Schmid created more open-play chances than Yildiz. Furthermore, Yildiz ranked second only to Vinicius Jr. in chances created after carrying the ball. However, Yildiz has recently signed a new four-year contract with Juventus, and reports suggest the Italian club is reluctant to sell.

Nico Williams, an exciting winger from Atletico Bilbao, has also been previously considered by Arsenal. His presence could add much-needed dynamism to an attack sometimes criticized for predictability. Williams' contract with the Basque club extends until 2035, but there are indications of a release clause. Last season, he completed a notable 43.8% of his 153 dribbles and scored six goals, despite a campaign hampered by injury. Opta data shows Williams averaged 8.2 dribbles per 90 minutes in La Liga, a figure surpassed only by Lamine Yamal, Kevin, and Jeremy Doku in Europe's top five leagues.

However, Williams' availability, coupled with a potentially high transfer fee and his recent injury record, might make him a less immediate option for Arsenal.

Arsenal also has internal options to fill the left-wing role, including Tzolis, Eberechi Eze, and Noni Madueke, with Eze having featured on the left in crucial matches towards the end of the last season.