Key Takeaways:
- Arsenal opened the Premier League campaign with a 1-0 triumph over Manchester United at Old Trafford as Riccardo Calafiori scored in the first half
- Micah Richards has identified Real Madrid’s Rodrygo, valued at £86 million, as a prime transfer candidate to strengthen Arsenal’s left side before the window closes on September 1
- The Gunners will welcome Leeds United to the Emirates Stadium for their first home fixture of the 2025/26 season at 5.30pm on Saturday
Tactical Analysis: Arsenal’s Left-Sided Gap
Arsenal commenced their Premier League season in determined fashion, overcoming Manchester United 1-0 at Old Trafford thanks to Riccardo Calafiori’s decisive first-half header. Mikel Arteta demonstrated the squad’s enhanced depth by introducing Noni Madueke, Myles Lewis-Skelly, Mikel Merino and Jurrien Timber in the latter stages. Despite these options, former England international Micah Richards has asserted the club still need reinforcements on the left flank, suggesting that a left-sided attacker remains the missing element in Arteta’s team.
Discussing gaps in the current squad on the Rest is Football podcast, Richards highlighted the need for a player of Rodrygo’s calibre, insisting that the Brazilian could address Arsenal’s lingering issues on the left and pave the way for a title challenge. With the Gunners’ bench showing considerable strength, Richards believes the addition of another attacking option out wide could be pivotal.
Rodrygo Linked as £86m Solution
Real Madrid forward Rodrygo has been consistently linked with a move to Arsenal throughout the summer transfer window, and Madrid are understood to value the 24-year-old at £86 million (€100m). While Tottenham Hotspur appear to be progressing towards signing alternative Arsenal target Eberechi Eze, Rodrygo remains a leading option for the north London side.
Under Madrid manager Xabi Alonso, Rodrygo has made just one start at the FIFA Club World Cup, and his starting opportunities had also been restricted by predecessor Carlo Ancelotti last season. Nevertheless, Alonso stated he is “counting on everyone” this year. Rodrygo has been named among six forwards for Real Madrid’s clash with Osasuna at the Santiago Bernabeu on Tuesday, but a starting berth is not guaranteed.
| Player | Current Club | Position | Age | Market Value | Potential Suitor |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rodrygo | Real Madrid | Left Forward | 24 | £86 million (€100m) | Arsenal |
Should Rodrygo wish to secure more regular first-team football, a switch to the Emirates under Arteta could prove attractive. With the transfer window open until 1 September, Arsenal have the means to negotiate both incomings and outgoings — with further departures, such as that of Fabio Vieira, potentially bolstering their budget and squad flexibility.
Squad Depth and Upcoming Fixtures
Viktor Gyokeres and Noni Madueke have already joined the Arsenal ranks this season to add attacking firepower. However, Richards has argued that true title contention requires a further left-sided acquisition, naming Rodrygo as the principal target. Co-presenter Gary Lineker supported this sentiment, expressing optimism for Arsenal’s prospects should they maintain squad depth and avoid injuries, especially to key figures such as Odegaard, Saka, and Havertz.
Arsenal will aim to build on their strong start when they host newly promoted Leeds United at the Emirates Stadium in their first home outing of the 2025/26 campaign. The fixture is set for 5.30pm on Saturday.
