Arsenal hero warns Mikel Arteta over transfer business: ‘You need to be smart’ | Football

Former Arsenal defender Bacary Sagna has warned the Gunners off making too many signings, believing they do not need to bring in another left-winger this summer.

The Premier League champions have made three major signings so far this window, with Bruno Guimaraes arriving from Newcastle, Ezri Konsa coming in from Aston Villa and Christos Tzolis jetting in from Club Brugge.

Piero Hincapie has also made his loan move from Bayer Leverkusen permanent, as expected, while Illan Meslier has come in on a free from Leeds United.

There has also been the notable exit of Leandro Trossard to Besiktas and now Gabriel Martinelli is expected to complete a move to the Saudi Pro League.

Left wing has been the focus of debate for Arsenal transfer business all summer, with links to huge names like Vinicius Jr and Julian Alvarez and Premier League options including Bournemouth’s Junior Kroupi and Everton’s Iliman Ndiaye.

Sagna thinks his former club should swerve making another signing in that position, though, feeling Tzolis, Eberechi Eze and Noni Madueke have it covered and any further arrivals would bloat the squad.

‘If Martinelli leaves I think Arsenal have Eze who has played on the left wing for Crystal Palace and did well there. Arsenal have a bunch of players that are able to deliver regardless of where they’re playing,’ Sagna told The Action Network.

‘Madueke could easily play on the left and that will allow him to cross the ball early and be naturally on his left foot also. I think it’s going to be an interesting season going forward because Arsenal have options.

‘I think Tzolis is young enough to be able to play game after game. He’s young. At 24 he will be able to compete all season and he’s smart. He doesn’t always get in between the lines, he doesn’t get kicked a lot. He’s a smart player and I think he’s able to play the whole season the same way Saka did and still deliver.’

He added: ‘At the moment, I don’t think they need Iliman Ndiaye or Junior Kroupi.They have enough players. You don’t want to overload the team.

‘Also, you need to be smart and not just buy a player and have him sitting on the bench.’

Martinelli is set to move to Al Hilal, ending a stint at Arsenal which began in 2019 when he moved from Brazilian side Ituano.

The 25-year-old has made 278 appearances for the Gunners and scored 62 goals, but is set to depart in a deal reportedly worth £50m.

‘It’s going to be sad to see Martinelli leaving because he’s been a fantastic professional for Arsenal,’ said Sagna.

‘He’s been doing well, and I think Arsenal was blessed enough to be able to be rewarded for taking risks with him when he was young.’

MORE: Champions League draw LIVE: Updates as Arsenal, Man Utd and Liverpool learn fixtures

MORE: Bruno Guimaraes, Ezri Konsa and Jurrien Timber injury updates from Mikel Arteta

MORE: Marseille considering shock move for Arsenal summer signing