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Who can be the potential target for the winger position during the next transfer market?

By mac14 on May 27, 2026

Arsenal have secured the 2025/26 English Premier League trophy, and are lined up for the Champions League finals at the end of May. Despite all that, one squad issue can’t be denied. Bukayo Saka still leads the charge on the right, but it isn’t a requirement that he do so for another whole season.

It is for this reason the search for Arsenal’s next winger is important this summer. The best EPL predictions on Wincomparator also provide another gauge of Arsenal’s Premier League prospects as fans speculate on how one signing could swing the title battle. Who can come and lighten Saka’s burden and yet, increase the ceiling?

This isn’t a buy-back situation. Arsenal are desperate for a winger they can rely on by their side. The trio of Pedro Neto, Michael Olise and Nico Williams all offer something unique.

Why a new winger is Arsenal’s top priority

Saka, Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard provide Arsenal with quality, but not balance. Saka remains their first choice. Martinelli can supply the pace from the left and Trossard can deliver the finishing, but neither is a right sided deputy at Saka’s standard.

Saka continued to rack up lots of minutes and scored seven Premier League goals and dished out five assists in 2025/26. Those numbers are important, but so is the load! But he’s not going to fix all low blocks and any Champions League away game for Arsenal.

A new winger would provide Arteta with another weapon. As with everything, there are occasions when Arsenal have to be patient. At times they have to find someone who can beat a full back, hit the by line and drag the game.

The Premier League powerhouse: Pedro Neto

Pedro Neto is the most secure football fit. He has Premier League experience and is quick and can beat defenders in the flanks or in the middle. Returned to the Premier League in 2025/26 and had five goals and five assists.

It makes perfect sense that the old Pedro Neto Arsenal links, as he is intense, direct and selfless away from the ball. Arteta appreciates attacking players who can deep the base, recover, and still be a threat. Neto is checking those boxes.

How he fits into Arteta’s system

Neto may be given a chance on the right when Saka is fit, but could then be moved to the left when Arsenal need Martinelli to be pushed. He’d add more threat in the air in games where it’s too easy to stay in possession.

His ability to play in the Premier League is key. The waiting would be less for a changeup to be adapted and greater opportunity for immediate use against known defenders.

Potential roadblocks: Cost and injury history

The issue is clear; he belongs to Chelsea and is under contract for years to come. It’s not often that you can find a bargain from a London competitor. His injury history plays a factor as well. Neto looks good, but it’s not an easy decision to make.

The creative virtuoso – Michael Olise

For those who prefer elegance and invention, Michael Olise is the go-to guy. He has demonstrated his ability to be a highly effective wide player, contributing 15 goals and 19 assists in the Bundesliga alone during the 2025/26 season at Bayern Munich

Olise is not only a winger, he’s also a good dribbler. He reads the play well, can get to the ball in time to pass it to others and has the ability to slip inside as an attacking midfielder.

How he fits into Arteta’s system

Arteta’s formation requires a right-footer to play as a creative central midfielder. Picture him working with Martin Odegaard, Saka or an overlapping full-back, switching up angles until a defence is breached.

He would be particularly useful when the opponents have deep blocks. Arsenal can be the masters of the pitch at times, but do not always have the winning penny. The pause, disguise and sudden pass is provided by Olise.

Potential roadblocks: Intense competition

Here is where love meets life. I think Bayern are definitely thinking of him as a key part of their future and are holding onto him until 2029. Other top clubs would take note of Arsenal’s efforts if they did. The fee and wages would be huge.

The lightning bolt: Nico Williams

Nico Williams might be the most exciting styling choice. He’s explosive, fearless and designed to isolate defenders. But his 2025/26 La Liga return doesn’t quite show the terror he instills when he’s on the move.

The speculation over Nico Williams’ move to Arsenal continues to be in vogue owing to his rare signing profile. He’s a real width holder and is always comfortable hugging up the line, taking on under pressure, and moving on to the open space before the defender has had a chance to settle.

How he fits into Arteta’s system

Williams would also change the Arsenal shape. To his left, he can extend the field and open up inside for Rice, Odegaard or inverted full-backs. He would hand Arsenal a speedster who can create opportunities from corners.

That’s important in Europe. In the face of elite teams, not all opportunities are created equal and do not require 30 passes. Sometimes it’s a matter of one burst making the difference.

Potential roadblocks: Adaptation and release clause

The Premier League would be his examination of how strong he is, how decisive he is and how consistent he is. Athletic Club has also renewed his contract to 2035 with a much higher release clause. Negotiations would be clear, but they still would be costly.

The verdict: Who is the best fit for the Gunners?

Neto is the obvious choice in the Premier League. Olise is a creative genius. The chaos weapon is Williams. If Arsenal are going for purely tactical purposes, then Williams comes out on top.

Saka is not just looking for cover, Arsenal are looking for contrast. They would have Williams to provide them with pace, width and a different attacking mood. Although the most promising player may be Olise, he’s a Bayern problem. Neto is tried and tested, but Chelsea won’t let him go that easily.

All three will remain in the mix for football transfer rumors 2026. However, if the Gunners can sign a new wide forward in the summer, it could be the decision that transforms another decent team into one which is capable of going for anything.