Saka needs support! Five options to complete Arsenal’s perfect transfer window

Robin Bairner

• 28 Jul 2023 12:10 BST
• 4 min read

Arsenal’s squad is obviously lacking in one major area: support for Bukayo Saka on the right wing.

While Mikel Arteta has moved to strengthen his team this summer by completing transfer deals for Jurrien Timber, Declan Rice and Kai Havertz, Saka remains a player without any serious competition on the right or, more worryingly, genuine backup. Mohammed Kudus, who may arrive from Ajax, can play off the right, of course, but it's not his main position.

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Assuming some modest funds are made available to Arteta before the end of the transfer window, how might he solve this problem? Data analytics experts SciSports have suggested five options to act as support for Saka.

These players are all deemed to have a similar playing style to the England international, while they are all aged 21 or under, fitting in with Arsenal’s broad transfer policy of signing young players who can develop.

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Nico Williams – Athletic Club

Nico Williams has been linked with a move to Arsenal already this summer, with the 21-year-old Spain international also associated with a move to Aston Villa and Liverpool, showing the calibre of player that he is.

Athletic president Jon Uriarte said earlier this month that he is confident the winger will not depart – although he will have no choice if Arsenal or anyone else were to trigger his release fee, which is set around the €50m mark.

Estimated Transfer Value (ETV): €24m

Michael Olise – Crystal Palace

The France U21 winger is the subject of transfer debate, with Chelsea and Manchester City both circling. The interest of these clubs probably means that Arsenal will not be able to afford the former Reading player, but he is a player capable of backing up and even pushing Saka to some extent.

He reportedly has a release fee of €40m in his contract, but Chelsea have bid above that in an attempt to get more favourable payment terms. It would be a big statement of intent from Arsenal if they were to go toe-to-toe with on of their rivals at such a price for a support player.

Estimated Transfer Value (ETV): €27m

Jeremy Doku - Rennes

A thrilling winger who loves to take on his marker, Doku is strong, quick and technical, while he has been linked with a potential transfer to the Premier League for years, albeit it has often been Liverpool he has been associated with.

A Belgium international, Doku’s major problem is an inability to keep fit. Still just 21 years old, playing second fiddle to Saka might actually suit him at this stage of his career as it would allow his body time to recover between games. It’s a leftfield move but one worth consideration.

Estimated Transfer Value (ETV): €16m

Wilson Odobert - Troyes

Former PSG youngster Odobert may be about to embark on life in France’s second tier with Troyes, but the 18-year-old should not be dismissed because of that. Riyad Mahrez, after all, started life at that level before exploding with Leicester in the Premier League.

Odobert could learn hugely under Saka’s wing, with the teenager one of the standout youngster’s in Ligue 1 last season, despite his team’s struggles.

Troyes are owned by the City Football Group, who Arsenal have a positive history of business with before.

Estimated Transfer Value (ETV): €16m

Johan Bakayoko - PSV

The cheapest option on this list, Bakayoko has come through PSV’s youth ranks to become a first-team fixture and also a four-time capped Belgium international.

He is something of a wildcard selection given his relatively limited first-team minutes. Last season, he played 33 first-team matches for PSV, managing 90 minutes only on three occasions. However, the 20-year-old, who scored five and created five more in 23 Eredivisie outings, would be expected to perform only cameos for Arteta’s side – but is he ready to back Saka up in that case?

Estimated Transfer Value (ETV): €9m