Emmanuel Eboué comments on Arsenal’s transfer needs

Arsenal remain firmly in contention across domestic and European competitions this season, with Mikel Arteta benefiting from one of the deepest squads he has had since taking charge. Strong competition for places across defence, midfield and attack has allowed the Gunners to rotate effectively, manage injuries and maintain consistency, reducing the need for immediate reinforcements during the January transfer window.

Former Arsenal defender Emmanuel Eboué doesn’t see the need for the Gunners to add players in the January window, but he has picked out some players who would be great additions next summer. He has also commented on the performances of Arsenal’s signings from the summer of 2025, praising Martin Zubimendi in particular.

Arsenal may need extra firepower on the left wing

While Leandro Trossard and Gabriel Martinelli have been prolific in the league and Champions League, respectively, Eboué believes that Arsenal need to look at a long-term solution in that area.

“I think Trossard, this year, he's been better than Martinelli. Even when he's coming off the bench, he scores and plays well.”

“So I think Arsenal need to strengthen the left-wing spot. Trossard is doing well but he's not playing every game at his best. So for next season, they need to think about getting new wingers for the left side.”

“But Trossard, I'm very happy for him and how he's doing this season. He's scored some very important goals for Arsenal so I'm really happy for him.”

Anthony Gordon would be a great signing in the summer

The former Arsenal defender highlighted Newcastle’s Anthony Gordon as a player who he thinks could take Arsenal’s left wing to another level.

“I am very surprised to see the performances from Anthony Gordon. When he left Everton and joined Newcastle, you can see the improvement he's made and how he's changed the way he plays. So, I'm very happy for him.”

“I'm not surprised if Arsenal are thinking of getting Gordon because if he comes to Arsenal, I know that he will do very well. He's a very good winger. If he comes to Arsenal, he will help the team a lot.”

“Because I'm surprised by how well he plays. He's changed the way he plays. In the Champions League, he's been great for Newcastle. I think if next year Arsenal think about getting Gordon, it would be very good.”

In terms of what’s happening on the pitch, Arsenal face a tough test in the form of a Premier League clash with Manchester United this weekend. They are currently priced at 11/20 to pick up the win, and if you fancy backing them to do so, you can use our bet365 bonus code.

Ben White may need regular football elsewhere

The Ivorian also commented on Ben White’s future at Arsenal, as game time has been limited because of Jurrien Timber being the preferred option at right-back. White has been a solid rotational option for Mikel Arteta, but Eboué feels that he might need to move in the summer to get more minutes.

“Ben White is a good player but Timber is better than him this year, to be honest. It's really sad that he doesn't play enough. As a player you want to play every week but it depends on the coach. When you see Timber's performance this year, it's very difficult for Ben White to play.”

“Next year, it depends on him of course, but for me it's better for him to move to another club to get more playing time. It's gonna be the same at Arsenal because Timber will still be there. If you want to play, then he has to move on.”

Timber has indeed cemented himself as a regular starter at right back, blending defensive solidity with attacking support.

Arda Güler only makes sense if Arsenal sell a midfielder or two

On Real Madrid midfielder Arda Güler, Eboué believes his profile aligns with Arsenal’s style, but the biggest challenge is the abundance of midfielders at Arsenal.

“Arda Guler is a very good young player and he's played well for Real Madrid. But, the Premier League is not easy. If he comes to Arsenal, a team that likes to play possession football, Arda also likes that. He'd be a good fit for Arsenal but Arsenal already have a lot of midfielders.”

“He has a great left foot and he can score, he can pass and Arsenal like that kind of a player.”

Reports suggest interest in Güler persists among Premier League clubs, with Arsenal often mentioned, though it may be more realistic as a summer pursuit rather than an imminent January deal.

Arsenal’s new defenders have delivered, even under pressure

The ex-Galatasaray star praised Arsenal’s defensive additions made in the summer, Piero Hincapié and Cristhian Mosquera, because of how they have stepped up when the likes of Gabriel Magalhães and William Saliba have been sidelined due to injury.

“I'm very happy that Arsenal got Hincapié and Mosquera in the summer. I think they are very good. To be honest, I watched them when Gabriel and Saliba were injured, and some Arsenal fans were scared about that as that was the first time they were playing together. They were thinking that Hincapie and Mosquera were going to play badly.”

“But you can see they've played very well when Gabriel or Saliba haven't been there. I think both of them have proven to be very good signings for Arsenal.”

Zubimendi stands out as Arsenal’s best summer signing

Eboué also singled Martin Zubimendi out as the signing who has arguably had the biggest impact on Arsenal’s midfield this season.

“Zubimendi has been Arsenal's best signing of the season. He's not tall but he's very strong and is a great defensive midfielder. As a defender myself, when you have a defensive midfielder like Zubimendi in front of you playing like this, work hard for the team, as a defender you are happy and relaxed at the back.”

“He's a really good signing for Arsenal and he can also chip in with goals.”

Several analysts also rate Zubimendi among Arsenal’s most influential summer signings, citing how his partnership with Declan Rice has provided balance in midfield during the campaign.

Read more as Emmanuel Eboué discusses Arsenal's Premier League title hopes