Arsenal hold talks over signing 'one of the best players in the world'

On a personal level, this has been one of Bukayo Saka's toughest seasons at Arsenal, if not the toughest.

Although he was deprived of a lot of football last season with a long-term injury, this campaign he also struggled with health.

It is also a struggle. Saka's goal against Fulham in Saturday's 3-0 win was his third since early December. It was the first time in 17 months that he scored and assisted in the same Premier League game.

However, with the title on the line, the winger comes alive just in time. He hits form just when it matters. The club's chances of winning the league and Champions League are great.

That said, going into the summer, one of the tasks is to find a new Saka, who can play on the left wing.

Arsenal are looking to sign big-money young players

One of the issues facing the Gunners this season is a lack of attacking power. Viktor Gyokeres may have scored 21 goals in all competitions, but he hasn't had much help from the wide players, especially on the left.

That is why Andrea Berta and Co must push hard to sign a new player. Fortunately, it looks like a few may be on the market.

Anthony Gordon is reported to be the target of a lot of attention but they are facing big competition from Bayern Munich for his signature. The chance to play abroad and the assurance of a Bundesliga title will undoubtedly appeal to him.

Another target is PSG's Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, although that seems unlikely given his form. The Georgian has 18 goals this season, 10 of which have come in 14 Champions League games. He is at a high level.

His form, however, opens the door to another exciting PSG striker, Bradley Barcola.

This is according to a report by TEAMtalk, which notes that since contract negotiations have stalled in the French capital, Barcola's representatives are talking to various clubs around Europe with the aim of resolving his future.

Indeed, the camp of this player has already spoken to players like Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester United to ensure that he can be there this summer.

Having said that, it is noted that Liverpool are watching the situation more closely, knowing that they need someone to replace Mohamed Salah and Hugo Ekitike's injury.

Why Barcola could be Arsenal's next Saka

Arsenal's biggest priority this summer must be to find a left-back type of Saka. After all, Mikel Arteta's biggest problem area in 2025/26 has been the left side.

Gabriel Martinelli has stood out in the cup competitions, so much so that he is Arsenal's second top scorer this season with 11 goals. That said, only one of those strikes came in the Premier League.

Leandro Trossard, scoreless in his last 23 games, has yet to find the net in 2026. He returned to form last weekend, assisting Gyokeres' second goal and completing a career-best six-ball haul.

However, it should be the only way for both of them at the Emirates, especially Trossard. In Barcola, they could sign a major development, someone who could be their new Saka, or from the opposing side.

En route to Champions League glory last season, the 23-year-old scored 21 goals and provided an equal number of assists in all competitions. Those are extraordinarily good numbers, high numbers.

Barcola's output dipped in 2025/26, scoring 12 and assisting seven, but he played limited minutes, which is why he might be available.

Hailed as “one of the best defenders in the world” by Como scout Ben Mattinson, the Frenchman is a truly game-changing talent and could be just the player Arsenal need in their attack.

He has as many feet as Saka, leaving opposition defenders in awe when he runs at them. He is a tricky customer to deal with and is something Arteta has not had from the left side this term.

Both are elite ball-handlers, ranking very closely among the developing players. In Europe's top five leagues, Arsenal's number 7 is among the top 15% of denied players in Europe in that metric. Barcola ranked in the top 13%.

They are also lined up to receive key passes in 2025/26. Saka is in the top 3% of that number, with the French PSG star in the top 6.

For a very long time now, Arsenal have needed a truly world-class winger. They have Saka on the right and Barcola on the left, it would make for a truly formidable striker.