Arsenal should consider move for £25m PL forward who has already hinted that he wants to join - opinion

It’s certainly not a secret that Mikel Arteta would like to add a new forward to his Arsenal squad before the end of August.

Earlier in the summer, Arsenal chased the signature of Benjamin Sesko, a pursuit that was eventually in vain when the striker decided to stay at RB Leipzig.

Similarly, it seems as if Nico Williams won’t be coming to north London this summer, a player who is said to be choosing between Paris Saint-Germain and Barcelona.

Williams doesn’t seem interested in joining Arsenal, even if he was thought to be a key target of Arteta’s.

And although Arsenal chased Sesko as mentioned, it seems they are predominantly focused on recruiting a new winger.

Reiss Nelson could leave Arsenal in the coming weeks which would leave Arteta short of backup for Bukayo Saka on the right wing.

Arsenal need a new left-footer who can cut in from the right in similar fashion when Saka is either handed a rest or unavailable, and it could be an Unai Emery player who is the answer.

Leon Bailey is finally ready to play for a club of Arsenal’s size

26-year-old Aston Villa winger Leon Bailey recently hinted that he would join Arsenal in the future, a top club that any player would ultimately want to play more.

And it’s now time for Arsenal to make that desire a reality.

Since he made his £25m move to Villa in 2021, Bailey has had some fantastic spells of form but has ultimately proved inconsistent over the years.

The Jamaican hasn’t always been a fixture of the first eleven, often left on the bench when his performances have been frustrating.

However, Bailey has made a clear improvement under Emery, just as a lot of Villa players have.

And after scoring 10 goals and providing nine assists in the Premier League last term, Bailey is definitely ready for a club like Arsenal.

As stated, Bailey’s direct skill-set would be perfectly suited when dovetailing with Saka on the right, and the winger could even start alongside him on the left.

Arteta needs greater strength in depth on the wings, and with the greatest respect, Nelson isn’t equipped to help Arsenal beat Manchester City in the title race.

But with Bailey in their ranks, who could admittedly prove expensive, Arsenal would be much better equipped.