Yes, even after the Gabriel Martinelli show.
Arsenal entered the summer transfer window with a clear need for reinforcement on the left flank. While the club made calculated moves elsewhere, the failure to sign a top-tier left-winger was a glaring oversight. Names like Eberechi Eze were floated, but no deal materialized. Instead, Mikel Arteta and sporting director Edu opted to stick with the existing options: Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard. Both are talented players, capable of moments of magic, but neither has consistently delivered when starting matches.
The decision not to pursue an upgrade has left Arsenal in a precarious position. The left wing, a critical component of Arteta’s attacking system, lacks the cutting edge needed to compete at the highest level. While Martinelli and Trossard shine as substitutes, their performances as starters often fall short, exposing a structural weakness in Arsenal’s squad.
There’s no denying the quality of Martinelli and Trossard. Both players have shown their ability to change games, particularly when introduced against tired defenses. Martinelli’s pace and directness can unsettle opponents, while Trossard’s technical brilliance and knack for finding space make him a constant threat. Their contributions off the bench—like Martinelli’s equalizer against City—often reignite hope among fans that Arsenal’s left-wing woes are overstated.
However, the reality is far more complex. When starting matches, both players struggle to impose themselves consistently. Against well-organized, fresh defenses—particularly low blocks—Martinelli and Trossard find it difficult to create space or sustain pressure. Martinelli’s one-dimensional running style can be neutralized by disciplined defenders, while Trossard’s flair is less effective when he’s tasked with breaking down compact backlines from the outset. The result is a left flank that often feels predictable and underpowered, a stark contrast to the dynamism provided by Bukayo Saka on the right.
Mikel Arteta now faces a tactical dilemma. With no natural left-winger added to the squad, his options are limited. One approach is to deploy an attacking midfielder out of position on the left, but this is a stopgap solution at best. Players like Kai Havertz or even Martin Ødegaard lack the natural instincts and attributes of a true winger, and such a move risks unbalancing the team’s structure. Alternatively, Arteta could continue to rotate Martinelli and Trossard, hoping one of them finds consistent form as a starter. But how long can Arsenal afford to wait when the pressure to compete for the Premier League and Champions League is so intense?
The left wing is arguably Arsenal’s weakest position, and the lack of depth or a clear upgrade leaves Arteta exposed. While the team’s overall squad quality has improved significantly under his management, this unresolved issue threatens to undermine their ambitions. The reliance on impact substitutes to rescue games is unsustainable for a club aiming to dethrone Manchester City.
The question now is: what will Mikel Arteta do to address this problem? The January transfer window presents an opportunity to rectify the summer’s inaction, though high-caliber signings in mid-season are notoriously difficult to secure. Waiting until the summer of 2026 risks prolonging the issue, potentially costing Arsenal crucial points in tight title races or knockout competitions.
Alternatively, Arteta could double down on his current squad, trusting that tactical tweaks or improved form from Martinelli or Trossard will suffice. He might experiment with formations or personnel to unlock the left flank’s potential, perhaps integrating younger players like Myles Lewis-Skelly or even exploring a loan signing in January. However, these solutions feel like short-term fixes for a long-term problem.
Arsenal’s left-wing issue is no longer a minor concern—it’s a glaring weakness that opponents can exploit. The flashes of brilliance from Martinelli and Trossard as substitutes cannot mask the fact that neither has consistently delivered as a starter. For a team with aspirations of winning major trophies, this is simply not good enough.
Mikel Arteta has built a formidable Arsenal side, but the unresolved left-wing problem threatens to hold them back. The cracks are there for all to see, and the longer they go unaddressed, the more costly they may become. Whether through a bold move in January or a major signing next summer, Arteta must find a solution. Time will tell if he can turn this undeniable truth into a distant memory.