Arsene Wenger’s Arsenal side find themselves in second place in the Premier League table after last weekend’s action, eight points behind league leaders Chelsea.
It’s been a tough six weeks for the Gunners, who at times looked like they were at risk of dropping out of the title race altogether. With three wins in three mean they can now think about going on another extended run in the Premier League, though, which they will need to do to have any hope of reeling Chelsea in.
On their day, they are a formidable attacking outfit, especially if they get ahead early and force teams to open up against them. Occasionally they do look a bit one-dimensional, though.
Struggling to break teams down is often a frustration and some would argue they were lucky to pick up three points against Burnley recently, requiring a stoppage time penalty winner to see off the Clarets.
Adding a winger of genuine superstar potential could go a long way to unlocking their full capability. Alexis Sanchez is playing well on the left-hand side but he’s more effective in a No.9 role, while young Alex Iwobi is still learning his trade as a Premier League attacker.
Here are THREE wingers of quality that could add an extra dimension to Wenger’s side…
Yacine Brahimi
Yacine Brahimi excels on the left-hand side of Porto’s midfield, meaning he’s a player that could free up Alexis Sanchez to play through the middle.
Quick, direct and powerful, he would add a real physical presence to Arsenal’s attack on the flanks. He knows how to find the net, too, with 25 goals in 99 appearances for the Portuguese club.
He’s a player with plenty of Champions League experience and would be ready to excel at that level for the Gunners. Arsenal have plenty of attacking talent, but Brahimi is a different style of player to anything they currently have and could be the force they need to bulldoze through defences that sit deep against them.
Riyad Mahrez
Riyad Mahrez was one of the classiest players in the Premier League last season and while he may be struggling to hit those heights this term, he would still be an exciting prospect in an Arsenal side.
Leicester run the risk of a relegation battle in the coming months and if any of their players are going to step up and bail them out, it will be Mahrez.
With seven goals and three assists this term, he’s still been making a significant contribution at the top level.
He was also a key part of their qualification to the Last 16 of the Champions League, scoring two against Club Brugges and one against Copenhagen, while notching a vital assist against Porto.
It’s that kind of form that must interest teams like Arsenal and he’d be a fresh, new force on the right side of Arsenal’s midfield, something they arguably need.
Eduardo Salvio
After suffering an ACL injury on his right knee that kept him out of the vast majority of last season, Eduardo Salvio is back to his best and in the kind of form that sees supporters around Europe cast an envious eye on Benfica.
That injury hasn’t stunted his progress as a footballer, but he has provided six goals and six assists for Benfica so far this term in 22 appearances.
Like the others on this list, he has significant Champions League experience, which would be a massive positive for the Gunners.
Having spent six years in Portugal, it could be time for him to move to a bigger league, which could make Arsenal an appealing option should they come calling.