I think it is fair to say that Arteta wants more contributions and decisiveness from the wings and especially the wingers. He wants more goals, assists, dribbles and crosses. Who wouldn’t?

The wings are also a hot topic for us because we have been playing some forwards on the side like Auba and Martinelli. We also have some promising players coming through with Saka and RN has also displayed some good moments while Pepe seemed to have (finally) grasped the demands of the EPL and Arteta. So what do we do for next season? 

So who is likely to stay this summer?– Pepe on the right will stay for sure- Saka on the left will stay for sure- Martinelli is most likely to be used as a LFW still and he just extended his contract with us so he is staying for sure
Verdict: Pepe, Saka, Martinelli to stay

So who is likely to go out this summer? – Question marks remain around Reiss-Nelson. Will he get enough playing time? Arteta reportedly likes him and his work ethics. Nelson also impressed with his performance vs Liverpool so it seems that he is on the cards to stay but again and like ESR, if he does not play enough by December, he could potentially seek another loan spell after his successful stint at Hoffenheim. Besiktas has already enquired about his availability…
Verdict: . Arteta to keep RN and if he does not get enough playing time by December, he will be loaned out again…

Based on the above, these are our wing forwards (before any acquisition) for next year:
RFW: Pepe, Nelsson ; LFW: Saka, Martinelli

Given the above, I am rather certain we will invest in at least one more “experienced/proven” wing forwards this summer – I doubt the reports linking us to the 50 Mln prodigy from Portugal. 

Some names have been mentioned: – free players like Willian and Fraser- players that want to be more important in their teams like Shaqiri- players that want to join or stay in the EPL like Kostic or Sarr

If we are a bit short cashwise, then the move for Willian makes sense and if we can afford to, I would also go for Kostic. Both of them would be great additions because they have the engine to also play wing back…

So, possible wing options for next year:

RW: Pepe, Willian, RN ; LW: Saka, Kostic, Martinelli

Any thoughts?

PS: Feel free to disagree with any of the suggestions and to reassess the squad’s options on the wings.

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