Arsenal's Forward Line Evolution: Trossard Departs, Barcola and Alvarez on the Radar
Leandro Trossard has gone, Gabriel Martinelli’s future is on the table, and Arsenal’s forward line suddenly feels like the most volatile part of a title-winning squad.
Mikel Arteta has already sanctioned Trossard’s move to Besiktas, allowing one of last season’s clutch performers to walk out of north London. It is a clear signal. Space is being cleared, both in the dressing room and on the wage bill, for something bigger in attack.
Martinelli could be next. The Brazil international, once untouchable in supporters’ eyes, now finds his role under scrutiny as Arsenal weigh up whether a major sale might unlock the funds for a significant upgrade on the flanks. For a club intent on defending their Premier League crown and finally conquering Europe in 2026-27, sentiment will not stand in the way of evolution.
Barcola in the frame
Into that context steps Bradley Barcola, one of the most intriguing wide forwards in European football.
The 23-year-old lit up the World Cup alongside Kylian Mbappé and Michael Olise, then played his part in Paris Saint-Germain ripping up Arsenal’s Champions League dream last season as the French champions claimed back-to-back European titles. Arsenal felt his quality at close quarters. Now they are being urged to bring it to the Emirates.
Barcola’s situation at PSG is far from straightforward. He is not a guaranteed starter, squeezed by fierce competition from Desire Doue, Ousmane Dembélé and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia. His contract runs only until 2028, a relatively manageable horizon for a club willing to test PSG’s resolve with serious money.
Temptation may grow in Paris as the 2026 summer window rumbles on. Arsenal, long proud of their French connection and the talent they have imported from Ligue 1, are being pushed to move.
Mikael Silvestre, who knows both clubs and the Premier League’s demands, sees a perfect fit. Speaking to GOAL, the former Arsenal defender did not hesitate when asked if Barcola would be a smart addition to Arteta’s champions.
“That would be an obvious choice for both the player and the club to go for,” he said, pointing to Barcola’s impact for PSG and France, his age, and the project Arsenal are building. Retaining the title. Chasing the Champions League. “It’s a green light on my side, 100%.”
Silvestre’s verdict matches the mood around the Emirates: Arsenal want more unpredictability and end product from wide areas. Barcola offers both.
Premier League battle for a rising star
Arsenal, though, are not alone.
Liverpool are searching for a long-term successor to Mohamed Salah at Anfield, with Barcola’s versatility and goal threat ticking plenty of boxes. Manchester United, preparing for their return to the Champions League, also need more firepower and imagination across the front line.
Dwight Yorke has made his preference clear from a United perspective. The former striker told GOAL that if he were Michael Carrick, he would go straight to Paris for one of Barcola or Desire Doue.
“Bradley Barcola or Desire Doue. I’d go for one of them if I was Michael Carrick. It’s as simple as that,” Yorke said, highlighting their ability to operate on either flank and adapt to any attacking structure. With Marcus Rashford’s future again under the spotlight, Yorke’s message was blunt: if he goes, replace him with one of those two.
“You want good attacking players, solid players who are going to produce the goods on the field, so go and get one of those players.”
For Arsenal, that raises the stakes. Wait too long, and a player who has already hurt them in Europe could be doing the same in the Premier League – in different colours.
Alvarez the marquee option
Barcola is not the only name on Arsenal’s attacking wishlist.
The club are also considering a huge move for Argentina forward Julian Alvarez, now at Atletico Madrid and fresh from appearing in the 2026 World Cup final alongside Lionel Messi. He missed out on a second world title, but his status as one of Argentina’s key men is not in doubt.
Alvarez could be prised from Atletico in a deal worth around £120 million, a fee that would place him among the most expensive signings in Arsenal’s history. The idea of pairing him with Swedish striker Viktor Gyökeres is a tantalising one: relentless movement, work rate, and finishing ability through the middle, backed by a rotating cast of wide forwards.
Silvestre believes Alvarez would be a statement addition.
“Below Messi for Argentina, he's the player that has been the most impactful,” he said, underlining the forward’s influence on the international stage. Atletico’s style and trophy haul have not always matched his ambition, yet Silvestre sees a fiercely committed character.
“Playing for Atletico Madrid, it's hard to get things over the line to win trophies. It looks like it's a player that is, I would say, very loyal. I don't know if he's ready to move. But what performances he's shown this season, he would be a great signing.”
That is the dilemma. Arsenal can build an irresistible case in sporting terms: a title defence, a genuine tilt at the Champions League, a system that would maximise Alvarez’s pressing and finishing. But prising a loyal player away from a club like Atletico demands more than just a sales pitch.
A ruthless summer ahead
Arteta and Arsenal’s hierarchy now stand at a familiar crossroads for elite clubs: keep faith with those who helped deliver the title, or cut hard and fast to stay ahead of rivals already rearming.
Trossard has gone. Martinelli may yet follow. Barcola is there to be tempted. Alvarez could become the headline act.
The next few weeks will reveal how bold Arsenal are prepared to be to turn a championship-winning attack into one that can dominate Europe as well.
