
2. Provides competition and squad depth
If last season taught us anything, it was that Bukayo Saka was overused. The 20-year-old played in all of Arsenal’s 38 Premier League games in 2021/22, and that can’t happen again. However, it was more so out of necessity than want.
But adding in Neto, Mikel Arteta has another option to use either off the bench or starting. With such a condensed fixture list that now includes the Europa League, the need for rotation is crucial. Saka can’t be playing in every game.
€50M Pedro Neto would be a class addition in London. His ability to play off both wings, pace, trickery, ball-striking & determination make him a similar profile to Raphinha. Edu & Arteta remain disciplined in their valuations & team building strategy 🇵🇹 pic.twitter.com/clxtHpXeDo
— Stoppage Time FC (@Stoppagetime_fc) August 23, 2022
Adding Neto will bring nothing but good things for the team as he will provide competition for Saka and Gabriel Martinelli and depth to the squad. On the bench against Bournemouth, there was no recognised winger.
Emile Smith Rowe and Fabio Vieira, along with Eddie Nketiah, were Arteta’s only options out wide. Each of these players can function as a winger or inside forward, but they’re better off performing an alternate role.
Thus, adding Neto gives the Gunners yet another weapon.
Continued on the next slide…