Why Arsenal could sign Saka next after deal is reached

A post-mortem is underway following England’s defeat to Argentina on Wednesday night, but from Arsenal’s perspective, the priority will be the fitness and well-being of their Three Lions squad.

The mind boggles at how that semi-final defeat could come and go without seeing Eberechi Eze, Noni Madueke or Bukayo Saka take to the field, with Thomas Tuchel’s men reduced to a needless defense in the closing stages.

Then there’s Declan Rice, the 27-year-old who has been thrashed with everything he’s got in recent weeks, and despite issues with injury and illness, the former West Ham United man appears to be one of the many to suffer after a long season, struggling back at club level.

The powerhouse midfielder needs a good old-fashioned rest before he can even think about returning to the pitch for the Gunners, no doubt the same for the aforementioned Saka following a frustrating few weeks for Mikel Arteta’s outfit.

Analyzing Bukayo Saka’s frustrating World Cup

Saka is all the more important as to why Tuchel is keen to pick him, and despite the winger’s ongoing fitness struggles, the 24-year-old has been the star of back-to-back tournaments since enjoying the Euro 2020 campaign.

However, this is a story we have seen before, with past England managers often rushing players back because of their reputation and status, not in the case of Wayne Rooney in 2006.

Let’s face it, Saka could have done well in the summer off, rather than being relegated to cameos in recent weeks, the Hale End graduate has never looked up to speed on that right side.

His biggest moment came when he came on for Jude Bellingham against Mexico in the last 16, although the Gunners man was almost unrecognizable otherwise, and was substituted early in the second half.

That’s not to say Saka was a flustered mess, memorably providing the assist for Marcus Rashford against Croatia, and it was his corner that picked out Jude Bellingham to open the scoring against Panama.

Only five players have improved their tally to three assists in the competition, including club-mate Martin Odegaard (four), which shows what Saka has to offer even if he is not at his best.

If he could have entered the competition fully, but alas, now it is time for a break, while he is back in north London, Arsenal’s transfer negotiations are starting to go into gear under Andrea Berta’s watch.

Now how can Arsenal sign the next Bukayo Saka

The right side looks secure as Arteta also boasts youngster Max Dowman, alongside Saka and Madueke, although it could be a summer of opportunity at the other end.

Leandro Trossard has moved to Besiktas, while Gabriel Martinelli is attracting a lot of interest, with the 25-year-old enjoying a promising World Cup with Brazil.

With both men looking likely to move on, they will need to be replaced, and the first player on the door is expected to be Club Brugge star, Christos Tzolis.

According to reports in Italy, Tzolis appears to have agreed a five-year deal with the Gunners.

The 24-year-old – who is set to fetch around £35m – has been heavily targeted since the January transfer window, having enjoyed an impressive 2025/26 campaign in Belgium.

That was followed by reports from David Ornstein, a reporter for The Athletic suggesting that an agreement has been reached with Brugge, and is close to being finalised.

Whisper quietly, but you can almost hear Saka in the game of Tzolis, the speedy Greek runner is such an asset in front of the goal and when he feeds his teammates, he has scored a lot of goals.

Last term, for example, he scored 17 goals and registered another 23 in the Belgian Pro League, while creating 25 ‘big chances’ and an average of 3.8 key passes per game.

For context, look back at Saka’s outstanding 2023/24 campaign, with the Englishman registering 25 goals and assists in the Premier League, while creating 15 ‘big chances’ and 2.6 key passes per game.

Tzolis boasts a great record, but it must be taken into account that he operates outside of Europe’s five biggest clubs.

Indeed, perhaps a better comparison would be the duo’s form in the Champions League last week, with Tzolis scoring three goals in ten games, while creating five ‘big chances’ and averaging 1.4 important passes per outing.

Saka’s record has been remarkably consistent, with the left-footer scoring five goals and assisting in 11 games, while creating three ‘big chances’ and 1.5 key passes per game.

Both men also record an 83% passing accuracy rate, which shows that for all their attacking intent, they’re not disruptive on the ball, the kind of players you can trust to be able to handle tight spots on the flanks.

It’s also heartening that Tzolis’ form isn’t a flash in the pan, with 25 goals and assists in 2024/25 in Belgium, the £35m man is beginning to find consistency after struggling at Norwich City.

Direct and powerful, goalscoring and a threat with flair, someone who could really revitalize Arteta’s forward line next season.

The Gunners already have Saka at the other end, but the Englishman can’t do it all by himself, which is why bringing in another brilliant winger like Tzolis would be the perfect solution.