Despite his inconsistencies, Super Eagles star Samuel Chukwueze emerges as a compelling option for Arsenal to fill the void left by Bukayo Saka’s injury, offering both short-term cover and long-term attacking depth.
Arsenal have suffered a significant blow with Saka’s absence, a key figure in Mikel Arteta's setup.
The 23-year-old sustained a hamstring injury in the recent clash against Crystal Palace, leaving the pitch in the first half. While the club has yet to confirm an exact recovery timeline, early indications suggest he could be out until March 2025.
Saka’s absence comes at a pivotal moment in Arsenal’s season. The Gunners are third in the Premier League, six points adrift of leaders Liverpool, who have a game in hand. In the Champions League, they are also in a tight battle to secure automatic qualification to the knockout rounds with two group-stage matches remaining.
Adding to Arteta’s headaches is the unavailability of Raheem Sterling. Signed on loan from Chelsea last summer to provide depth on the wings, Sterling is also sidelined with a knee injury, leaving Arsenal stretched thin in their wide areas.
Arsenal's January dilemma
Arsenal had not been expected to dip into the transfer market for a wide player in January. However, with both Saka and Sterling out, the club could be forced to reassess their plans.
One name that should be considered is Samuel Chukwueze, who could offer an affordable and effective solution to their current crisis.
The Super Eagles winger, who joined AC Milan in July 2023 after an impressive spell at Villarreal, has yet to establish himself in Serie A.
Chukwueze could be available for a fee close to the €20 million Milan paid for him, a figure that aligns with Arsenal’s budget for a mid-season reinforcement.
Comparison: Saka vs. Chukwueze
The similarities between Saka and Chukwueze are striking, making the latter a logical short-term replacement.
Both players excel as right-wingers who can stretch defenses with their pace and skill. Saka’s strengths lie in his precision, crossing, key passes, and clinical decision-making, while the 25-year-old Nigerian winger brings explosive speed, an eye for goal, and an ability to create space.
Saka’s left-footedness allows him to cut inside from the right wing, a skill that has made him one of the Premier League’s most feared attackers.
Chukwueze, meanwhile, boasts a powerful and precise shooting ability, particularly in transition, making him a constant threat on the counterattack.
If Arsenal were to bring the Diamond Football Academy product to London, the winger would find himself in a system that plays to his strengths, with Arteta’s tactical approach designed to maximize wide players’ impact.
Why Chukwueze fits Arteta’s philosophy
Mikel Arteta has a proven track record of reviving careers and unlocking players’ potential. Granit Xhaka’s resurgence during the 2021/2022 season, Martin Ødegaard’s transformation into a world-class midfielder, and Kai Havertz’s evolution into a leading striker all highlight Arteta’s ability to rebuild and reshape players.
Chukwueze could benefit from this nurturing environment. At Villarreal, he was regarded as one of La Liga’s brightest young talents, known for his pace, dribbling, and knack for delivering in big moments.
Although his transition to Serie A has been rocky, a move to Arsenal under Arteta’s guidance could reignite the form that once made him one of Europe’s most exciting wingers.
From a financial perspective, Chukwueze represents a cost-effective option for Arsenal. AC Milan reportedly paid €20 million plus €8 million in bonuses for the winger and would likely consider a similar offer to avoid a capital loss.
Given the market’s inflationary tendencies, securing a player of the Super Eagles winger’s caliber for around €20 million would be a shrewd business move
While Chukwueze may not immediately replicate Saka’s all-round influence, his arrival would give Arsenal a reliable option to cover for their injured talisman.
Moreover, his addition could alleviate the pressure on other attackers like Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard who may have to shoulder a heavier workload in Saka’s absence.
