Arsenal have been heavily linked with a move for Real Madrid forward Rodrygo this summer, and Micah Richards believes the Gunners still need to sign a left winger before the transfer window shuts
Micah Richards believes Arsenal's top transfer target should be a left winger, and Real Madrid's Rodrygo has been singled out as their problem solver. The north Londoners launched their 2025/26 Premier League campaign with a 1-0 victory over Manchester United, as Riccardo Calafiori's first-half header proved decisive at Old Trafford.
Mikel Arteta showcased his improved squad depth by bringing on Noni Madueke, Myles Lewis-Skelly, Mikel Merino and Jurrien Timber during the second half. Yet Richards insists the Gunners can still strengthen their team further before the transfer window closes.
Speaking on the Rest is Football podcast about what Arsenal currently lack, he said: "You know what's really good about Arsenal now, I still think they're a left winger short or left forward short.
"But if you look at Arsenal's bench today, you know Ben White started with Calafiori, and Lewis-Skelly last season was outstanding and Timber – he [Arteta] can change the full-backs now and not affect the team. The quality doesn't go down, so that would help him as long as everyone stays fit throughout the season.
"Merino, the impact he had, Madueke come on – although I prefer Madueke on the right hand side rather than the left."
Discussing the limitations on the left and how Real Madrid's talented Brazilian can provide a solution, Richards continued: "I just look at that position on the left hand side and think if they could sort that. When they were linked with Rodrygo, that could solve a lot of problems for them.
"But yeah, nevertheless, it's a massive win away from home, and it just gives you the momentum that you need for the start of the season."
Rodrygo has been consistently linked with the Gunners throughout the summer transfer window, following his reduced role at Madrid during the FIFA Club World Cup.
New manager Xabi Alonso gave the 24-year-old just one start during the tournament, whilst previous boss Carlo Ancelotti also failed to make the forward a priority starter in the last campaign. With Tottenham Hotspur appearing to edge closer to securing Arsenal's other attacking target, Eberechi Eze, Rodrygo remains the most frequently mentioned alternative.
But despite the north London club being amongst numerous Premier League sides keen on the young Brazilian, Alonso has said he is "counting on everyone" this season at Madrid.
Currently, Rodrygo is among six forwards that the Madrid manager has selected in his squad to face Osasuna at the Santiago Bernabeu on Tuesday evening – though this doesn't ensure a starting position. Should the 24-year-old be considering a potential exit from the Spanish champions for more consistent first-team opportunities, then Arteta might be the perfect figure to lure him to the Premier League this campaign.
Madrid have reportedly valued Rodrygo at a hefty £86million (€100m) and are said to be open to letting the player leave if he wishes to. With the transfer window not closing until September 1, Arsenal still have time to negotiate and find their ideal star man on the left, whether that's Rodrygo or another player.
In the meantime, they could also offload additional fringe players, such as Fabio Vieira, to increase their budget and free up space in the squad.
Arsenal have already bolstered their attacking line this season with the signings of Viktor Gyokeres and Madueke. However, Richards is adamant that if Arsenal wants a shot at Premier League glory, they'll need to either sign someone like Rodrygo or identify another left-sided forward to aid their new campaign.
Co-host Gary Lineker feels that Arsenal will get another shot at title glory if they continue in their current form, without losing any players through injury. Following Richards' call for a left attacker, Lineker said: "Yeah if Gyokeres does hit it off, they [have a chance].
"That's added to the fact that they now look like they've got a bit more strength in depth, and if they can avoid perhaps one or two of the big injuries they had last season – most notably Odegaard and Saka, and then Havertz towards the end of the season – then you know, they'll have a real chance."
The Gunners are set to host newly-promoted Leeds United in their first home match of the 2025/26 season at the Emirates Stadium, with kick-off at 5.30pm on Saturday.