Eze, Rodrygo, or Leao? Arsenal only have one sensible transfer option after Romano update…

Eze, Rodrygo, or Leao? Arsenal has only one logical transfer choice following Romano’s update…

Martin Zubimendi has joined the squad; Viktor Gyokeres is now Mikel Arteta’s primary striker for the foreseeable future, and Noni Madueke has been acquired to support Bukayo Saka. Overall, Arsenal’s transfer window has been quite successful, wouldn’t you agree?

On the face of it, yes, but there remains a significant problem to address before the summer transfer window closes in September – the left-wing position. Mikel Arteta currently relies on Leandro Trossard and Gabriel Martinelli – yet neither has proven effective.

The three candidates identified are AC Milan’s speedy Rafael Leao, Crystal Palace’s key player Eberechi Eze, and Real Madrid’s Rodrygo. But which of these three is the most suitable for the Premier League club?

Rafael Leao – AC Milan

Rafael Leao of AC Milan has emerged as one of the most coveted talents in global football in recent years – his agility, incredible speed, and finesse on the left flank have made the 26-year-old a highly desirable player.

While scoring may not be his strongest suit (he netted only eight goals in Serie A during the 2024/25 season), this wouldn’t pose a problem as he consistently provides an outlet.

Leao’s remarkable speed enables him to create opportunities for himself and his teammates, and his physical strength – highlighted by his 6’2″ stature, which is atypical for a winger – ensures that defenders are in for a challenging encounter when facing the former Sporting CP star.

A fantastic ball carrier, Leao would pose a continual threat on the left for any future club.

However, that club (at least this summer) will not be trophy-hunting Arsenal. According to Fabrizio Romano, the Portuguese winger – who has three years remaining on his San Siro contract – is expected to remain at AC Milan this summer.

In fact, the journalist emphasized that he has never been a viable option for Arteta and his team.

Eberechi Eze – Crystal Palace.

What makes Eberechi Eze such an appealing choice for Arteta is his proven track record in the Premier League, which means he would require minimal time to adjust to the rigorous demands of England’s top division.

His experience playing against teams like Manchester United, Chelsea, and Newcastle United likely adds a premium to his market value, and his current club will certainly recognize the potential financial gain from his transfer.

While Eze, who has earned 12 caps for England, is capable of playing as a left-winger, he has a preference for a central role – a position where Arsenal already has depth with club captain Martin Odegaard, Ethan Nwaneri, who recently signed a five-year contract, and Max Dowman.

Romano also mentioned on GIVEMESPORT’s Market Madness Podcast on Tuesday that Thomas Frank’s Tottenham Hotspur are now seen as the leading contenders for Eze’s signature.

His skills would undoubtedly benefit Arsenal, but acquiring a dedicated winger would be a more strategic move as they aim to dethrone Liverpool as Premier League champions this season.

Rodrygo – Real Madrid

For a team that has finished second in the Premier League for three consecutive seasons, Real Madrid outcast Rodrygo represents the ideal choice for the north London club.

The former Santos prodigy is reportedly contemplating a move away from Santiago Bernabeu in the near future, and he has numerous potential suitors in England’s top tier.

However, with Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City also showing interest in the Brazilian, Arteta – recognized as one of the top managers in football – and his team must act swiftly to avoid the risk of losing him.

The left-wing marvel of Los Blancos often goes unnoticed due to the star-studded lineup of Xabi Alonso’s team – with players like Vinicius Jr, Jude Bellingham, and Kylian Mbappe frequently receiving the accolades – but don’t allow that to skew your perspective! His lethal acceleration and quick-footed agility make him a significant challenge for opponents – and he would undoubtedly enjoy exploiting Premier League defenses. He should unquestionably be the club’s top priority.