Arsenal now 'slightly concerned' over £36m star at the Emirates

Arsenal are “slightly concerned” about their lack of depth in the wide areas, according to transfer insider Dean Jones.

Mikel Arteta is on the verge of welcoming his fifth summer signing on board in Manchester City star Oleksandr Zinchenko, but the Gunners boss is yet to bolster his winger department.

Despite missing out on Raphinha, who eventually joined Barcelona, it’s been a productive start to the window for Arsenal.

Matt Turner, Marquinhos, Fabio Vieira and Gabriel Jesus have already arrived, while the north London club are close to completing a deal for the versatile Zinchenko, who’s set to sign for around £30m.

But Arteta is yet to bring in a wide player despite targeting moves for Brazilian pair Richarlison and Raphinha.

And with just three out and out options in Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli and Nicolas Pepe, Arsenal would appear short on the sides, although Emile Smith Rowe has played on the left on several occasions.

Regardless, Jones reckons that Arteta needs reinforcements before the window closes, especially with the club back in the Europa League next season after their fifth place finish.

He told GIVEMESPORT: “In pre-season they’re lining up with Martinelli on one side, Saka on the other, and Jesus through the middle.

“That’s a good setup, but you still want backup, particularly for Martinelli. He’s obviously a really good player, but that’s the area that Arsenal are slightly concerned about.”

On paper, having four wingers is far from a disaster, but it’s not that simple.

On the right, Saka is a nailed on starter, but Pepe’s future remains in doubt and the fact he hasn’t started a Premier League game since October would suggest that he can’t be relied on.

Moving to the left, Arteta has two good options