Arsenal’s transformation under Mikel Arteta has been nothing short of remarkable, with the Gunners re-establishing themselves as Premier League title contenders and a force in Europe.
Yet, despite their resurgence, there’s a lingering sense that they’re missing the final pieces to challenge on all fronts consistently. Former Arsenal midfielder Emmanuel Petit believes he knows exactly what’s needed—a sensational double swoop for Victor Osimhen and Rafael Leao.
Petit’s Bold Vision for Arsenal
Petit, a vital cog in Arsenal’s late 1990s success, has made a compelling case for his former club to raise the bar even higher. Speaking in a recent interview, Petit identified Napoli striker Victor Osimhen and AC Milan winger Rafael Leao as the players who could elevate Arsenal to “the next level” and turn them into genuine contenders for both the Premier League and the Champions League.
“My dream signings for Arsenal to win major silverware are Victor Osimhen and Rafael Leao,” Petit stated. “They need a striker like Osimhen, and Leao would be perfect in a rotation with Gabriel Martinelli—they need that competition.”
Arsenal’s Depth Problem
Petit highlighted a recurring issue for Arsenal: squad depth. While Arteta’s starting XI is formidable, the drop-off in quality when key players are unavailable has been glaring. Petit pointed out that elite competition in attack, particularly for Martinelli on the left flank and more firepower up front, is essential for sustained success in both domestic and European campaigns.
“Arsenal don’t have the depth of other teams,” he continued. “Osimhen and Leao would take Arsenal to the next level and make them a real threat in both the Premier League and Champions League under Mikel Arteta.”
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Victor Osimhen: A World-Class Striker Arsenal Needs
Osimhen, currently on loan at Galatasaray from Napoli, has solidified his reputation as one of Europe’s most lethal forwards. With his athleticism, clinical finishing, and ability to dominate defenders, the Nigerian international would undoubtedly bring a new dimension to Arsenal’s attack.
Napoli are reportedly open to making his Galatasaray loan move permanent, but Osimhen’s ambitions lie with joining a top-tier club. Arsenal’s interest could prove decisive, but they face competition from Chelsea and Newcastle. With a release clause set at €75 million (£62.4 million), Osimhen is far from a bargain, but his addition could be transformative.
Rafael Leao: The Perfect Complement to Martinelli
On the wings, Leao’s electrifying pace and creative flair have made him one of Europe’s most sought-after attackers. The Portuguese star has already registered three goals and five assists for AC Milan this season, further cementing his reputation as a game-changer.
Leao’s ability to thrive on the left flank would provide Arsenal with a top-quality alternative to Martinelli while also allowing Arteta to rotate and manage player workloads effectively. Milan, however, are unlikely to part with their star man cheaply, reportedly valuing him at €80-90 million (£74.9 million).
Arsenal’s Big-Money Intentions
Arsenal’s willingness to break the bank for the right player is no secret. Their £105 million outlay on Declan Rice this summer demonstrated that they’re prepared to make bold moves to secure priority targets. If Arteta and the Arsenal board view Leao as essential to their plans, they may well be willing to match Milan’s asking price.
Arteta’s Attacking Vision
For Arsenal to continue their upward trajectory, bolstering their attacking options is critical. Osimhen’s presence would provide a potent goal threat and physicality up front, while Leao’s creativity and dynamism could unlock stubborn defenses. Together, they represent the type of marquee signings that could elevate Arsenal from contenders to champions.
The Financial and Tactical Challenges
While Petit’s vision is exciting, Arsenal face significant financial and competitive hurdles. Chelsea and Newcastle’s interest in Osimhen could drive up his price, while Barcelona’s pursuit of Leao adds another layer of complexity. The Gunners must also navigate Financial Fair Play (FFP) considerations, making it imperative to balance any big-money signings with potential player sales.
A Test of Ambition
Petit’s comments underline the importance of ambition in Arsenal’s next steps. Securing players of Osimhen and Leao’s caliber would send a powerful message—not just to rivals but also to Arsenal’s own squad and fanbase. It would signal that the Gunners are serious about reclaiming their place at the pinnacle of English and European football.
Conclusion: Dream or Reality?
While the idea of signing both Osimhen and Leao might seem like a dream scenario, it’s one that Arsenal could realistically pursue with the right strategy and determination. These players would undoubtedly bring the quality and depth needed to compete with the very best.
Petit’s call to action is clear: Arsenal must think big if they are to finally bridge the gap to Manchester City and cement their status among Europe’s elite. Whether the Gunners heed his advice could define their trajectory for years to come.