THIS LINEUP WILL BAG PREMIER LEAGUE AND CHAMPIONS LEAGUE NEXT SEASON FORMIDABLE XI GUNNERS FIRST ELEVEN FOR THE NEXT SEASON Rodrygo and Viktor Gyokeres lead dream Arsenal XI ahead of Mikel Arteta transfer masterplan

Winners and losers from Rodrygo to Arsenal transfer including Ethan Nwaneri and Gabriel Martinelli impact

Arsenal’s summer transfer business could kick into overdrive in the weeks ahead, as they continue to be linked with a possible move for Real Madrid star Rodrygo.

It comes as Andrea Berta looks to bolster the Gunners’ ranks over the coming months, with goals coming as a premium for Mikel Arteta.

Arsenal have been reliant on being clinical when opportunities arise, something they haven’t always been able to do.

With the Premier League title out of reach for the 2024/25 season, adding the goals and chance-creation that have been missing is a clear priority.

With Viktor Gyokeres a transfer target for Arsenal to fill the centre-forward role, Rodrygo is another transfer option heading into the summer window.

So with that said, here’s a look at the potential winners and losers in the Arsenal squad ahead of a potential deal for Real Madrid star Rodrygo.

READ MORE: Arsenal have ‘already agreed’ three new contracts for key stars as Andrea Berta masterclass ‘revealed’

Winners from Rodrygo’s transfer to Arsenal

Martin Odegaard

Martin Odegaard has been criticised this season by fans and pundits alike as he seemingly struggles for form.

The Norwegian international hasn’t had the sort of output he has shown in recent years, though it hasn’t entirely been down to him.

David Ornstein issues Arsenal transfer update on Andrea Berta’s Benjamin Sesko vs Viktor Gyokeres verdict

Issues with creating chances have come across the whole squad, and perhaps the addition of Rodrygo to the front line could change that.

Martin Odegaard may find new freedom within the system to pick up space, with the Brazilian being marked just as heavily, offering him a new lease of life in the team.

Declan Rice

If Rodrygo does occupy the left flank, then that may only help Declan Rice with his positioning on the left side of the midfield.

The midfielder has been an impressive attacking option for the side, adding more goals and assists to his tally and showing that he can do more than just defend.

Rodrygo joining the side may well help create more space and opportunities for Rice to thrive in, only furthering his chances in front of goal.

Mikel Arteta

Perhaps the biggest winner from a deal for Rodrygo would be Mikel Arteta.

The Arsenal boss hasn’t always had a wealth of options to choose from in his squad over recent seasons, not least with injuries.

However, the addition of Rodrygo would add even more quality to build the team from, especially if they wish to compete across all competitions.

Losers from Rodrygo’s transfer to Arsenal

Gabriel Martinelli

Arsenal star Gabriel Martinelli has competed with Rodrygo plenty over the years for a place in the Brazil national team.

They could soon be teammates on the club stage too, but that won’t dial down the competitiveness for a position in the team.

Martinelli has found some form on the left flank, but seems to be the least secure in terms of a position in the team.

It means Rodrygo could soon take his place, opening up a difficult discussion surrounding his future.

READ MORE: Myles Lewis-Skelly told he is just like Wayne Rooney and Bukayo Saka after what he has done for Arsenal this

Ethan Nwaneri

Having come through the Hale End academy to make an impression this season, Ethan Nwaneri will have to battle for his place again next season.

The Arsenal youngster enjoyed a spell on the right wing, as well as some time as a number ten, but has since found it tough to earn a place due to the return of Bukayo Saka.

Throwing Rodrygo into the mix, who is another versatile attacker capable of playing on either side, may only further reduce the opportunities for Nwaneri.

Leandro Trossard

Leandro Trossard is entering the final year of his contract at Arsenal, putting him at risk of leaving as a free agent in 2026.

The Belgian international has shown glimpses of his quality throughout the season, but has struggled with consistent minutes.

Should Rodrygo be added to the mix, Trossard may well find it tough to compete for a place on the left flank or as a centre-forward as a result.

Rodrygo

David Ornstein issues Arsenal transfer update on Andrea Berta’s Benjamin Sesko vs Viktor Gyokeres verdict

Arsenal have seemingly whittled down their striker transfer shortlist to Viktor Gyokeres and Benjamin Sesko, with one of them expected to arrive at the Emirates this summer.

The Gunners are looking to find an upgrade on Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus in the upcoming window, and the aforementioned two are now the clear primary targets.

Alexander Isak has been linked with Arsenal, but the Newcastle striker is likely to be too costly, while the likes of Liam Delap and Hugo Ekitike have also been mentioned as potential options.

However, Sesko and Gyokeres have emerged as the leading candidates, and Andrea Berta will have to make a decision on which to pursue aggressively over the next month.

David Ornstein provides insight into Benjamin Sesko and Viktor Gyokeres pursuits

Sesko has endured a season of stagnation at RB Leipzig, not quite kicking on from where he left off at the end of last campaign.

However, the Slovenian is still just 21 and has the raw physical attributes that make him an intriguing prospect for a club like Arsenal.

There are reportedly concerns at Arsenal about Sesko’s lack of experience, and whether he’d be capable of making an instant impact next season.

Meanwhile, Gyokeres has scored a staggering 53 goals this season across all competitions for Sporting, although there are question marks about how he’d fare in a much more challenging league.

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Replying to a question in a Q&A on the Athletic, transfer guru David Ornstein revealed that the North London club have likely not yet made their mind up about which of the two they’ll opt for.

“It seems Arsenal are deciding between which of those two strikers to pursue as their preferred target,” he said.

“They’re both under consideration but it’s hard to know who is higher because 1) we’re not privy the conversations and 2) generally these situations often aren’t as straight forward as higher/lower; there are many factors that contribute to such decisions being made and then even more to reach execution stage.

“There are naturally pros and cons, but I must say Gyokeres and Sesko are elite number nines who would be outstanding signings, so this should bring some excitement to the Arsenal fanbase (if one of them is signed!)”

Arsenal should move for Gyokeres over Sesko

Sesko could be available for around £68 million, while Fabrizio Romano revealed this week that Gyokeres could be signed for less than £55 million.

This, along with a myriad of other factors, is a reason for Arsenal to sign Gyokeres over Sesko.

Statistical Comparison 2024/25 (League Only)StatGyokeresSeskoAppearances3333Goals3913Assists75Shots per 904.082.5Expected Goals per 900.990.38Key Passes per 901.960.72Expected Assists per 900.220.06Benjamin Sesko vs Viktor Gyokeres Statistical Comparison 2024/25 (League Only)

As shown by the data above, Gyokeres is putting up significantly more impressive numbers, both from a goal-scoring and creative standpoint.

While the Leipzig man has the potential to develop into something special, it’s clear that the Sporting talisman is playing at a higher level right now, and that’s what Arsenal need for next season.

The Gunners’ window to win a major honour is in the next few seasons, and thus, they need someone who can hit the ground running and make a major impact immediately.

Gyokeres fits that bill, while Sesko is more of a project signing and certainly more of a risk.

Andrea BertaBenjamin SeskoViktor Gyokeres