Former Arsenal midfielder Emmanuel Petit has called for a significant overhaul of the club’s offensive flanks, identifying the recruitment of world-class wingers as the essential “next step” for the North London side. Despite maintaining a competitive presence in both the Premier League title race and the UEFA Champions League this term, the Gunners have faced recent frustrations, including a silver-medal finish in the EFL Cup final against Manchester City and a trophy-less run that stretches back to 2020.
The Frenchman argues that while the current squad has consistently secured second-place league finishes over the past three seasons, they still lack the clinical edge found in Europe’s most dominant institutions. Petit pointed to the tactical blueprints of continental giants to illustrate the caliber of personnel required to transform a high-performing team into a championship-winning one.
“I do know that if Arsenal want to take the next step, which means playing good football all season, they need to bring in talented wingers,” Petit remarked during a discussion with Andy’s Bet Club. “Look at Bayern Munich. Look at Paris Saint-Germain. Those teams that play very good, controlling football and are winning the best prizes have that kind of player.”
Analyzing the existing roster, Petit expressed concerns over the depth and elite-level consistency currently available to Mikel Arteta. He noted that the burden on Bukayo Saka has been exacerbated by fitness issues, while suggesting that other options in the wide positions do not yet meet the highest standards of the game.
“Arsenal have Bukayo Saka, who has been injured and has had a tough time this season so far. Noni Madueke, in my opinion, is a decent player, but he is not among the elite in this position. It’s pretty much the same on the left wing with Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard. but they are not among the best in their respective positions,” he added.
As the summer transfer window approaches, Petit’s assessment suggests that Arsenal must be ruthless in their departures and ambitious in their acquisitions—potentially targeting players of Anthony Gordon’s profile—if they intend to finally surpass their rivals and secure the game’s most prestigious silverware.
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