Arsenal: 5 summer transfer goals and current targets

3. Winger

Known targets: N/A

Expected departures: Reiss Nelson, Nicolas Pepe (potential)

Moving back up the pitch, but of not as high priority as either striker or midfielder, is a new winger.

This is a position that should be given more attention than it deserves, as history tells us that Nicolas Pepe is not the reliable figure in attack that he should be. Two impressive cameos off the bench against Brentford and Wolves shouldn’t pull the wool over some very fed up eyes.

If he can maintain such standards then it’s excellent news, not only in achieving this season’s goals, but also in garnering a modest fee for him in the summer.

What Arsenal require is someone to help Bukayo Saka. Rather urgently. With hopeful European football next season, the squad needs a tactically astute and pacey wide option who can play on both sides and take some of the burden off his 20-year-old shoulders. Of course, if Pepe doesn’t leave, then this part of the pitch is fairly well stocked.

In terms of targets there aren’t many being mentioned, if any at all. Dejan Kulusevski was someone Arsenal contacted Juventus over the winter with an eye on a loan deal, although Spurs’ promise of regular football and more concrete clauses included over making the move permanent saw them seal the deal.

A lot will depend on Pepe’s future. He will have two years left to run on his deal at the end of the season and if a suitable offer comes in (wishful) a sale will surely be considered.

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