Last summer, Arsenal devoted considerable time and effort to securing a backup option for Bukayo Saka on the right flank of their attacking line. Their primary target was Raphinha from Leeds United, and despite submitting a bid for the winger, it was promptly turned down. As Raphinha's desire to join Barcelona became evident, Arsenal chose to reassess their options.
Initially, it appeared that the Gunners would pursue alternative targets, with Moussa Diaby from Bayer Leverkusen being a long-standing admired player, but no such transfer materialized. Consequently, Mikel Arteta found himself heavily relying on Saka once again to fulfill the right-sided duties in the attacking lineup.
Saka's durability has been a major asset for Arsenal as he consistently remains available to play, even amidst physical challenges from opponents. Arsenal has heavily relied on him over the past two seasons, lacking a suitable replacement in case of his absence.
Reiss Nelson has been mentioned as a potential option, but Arteta has shown a preference for utilizing him on the left side during limited opportunities in recent years.
The England international's ability to avoid serious injuries can be attributed more to luck than anything else, considering the physical treatment he endures from defenders on a weekly basis. Both his teammates and Arteta have repeatedly called for better protection for the winger from referees, but their pleas have gone unanswered thus far.
Saka has played in every single Premier League game for Arsenal this season, except for one where he came on as a substitute despite being unwell. He has appeared in Arsenal's last 78 league matches, the longest current streak in the league. Since the start of the 2021-22 season, the 21-year-old has featured in 74 games, the most of any player. These numbers highlight the crucial need for Arsenal to acquire adequate cover for Saka in the upcoming summer transfer window.
The starlet's recent performances indicate that the heavy workload he has shouldered is starting to take its toll. In his last eight games, he has struggled to maintain the same level of performance, contributing only one goal and one assist. His goal involvements per 90 minutes have significantly decreased from the earlier part of the season. Saka is now taking fewer shots, creating fewer chances, and having fewer touches. Additionally, he missed a crucial penalty in a draw against West Ham.
GOAL journalist suggests that securing a player to alleviate the workload on Saka in Arsenal's right-hand attack is of utmost importance. The club is set to make an initial offer for Declan Rice, and they remain interested in Moises Caicedo despite previous unsuccessful attempts to sign him from Brighton. Leverkusen's Diaby is also on Arsenal's radar, and negotiations are underway with the Bundesliga side regarding the potential sale of Granit Xhaka.