Ian Wright names two players he thinks Arsenal should have signed

Arsenal legend Ian Wright has singled out Bryan Mbeumo and Antoine Semenyo as the two attackers he believes the Gunners should have secured during the last transfer cycle, arguing that both would have elevated Mikel Arteta’s squad at a critical stage of the season.

The pair were repeatedly mentioned as potential Emirates targets after standout campaigns for Brentford and Bournemouth respectively, yet neither move materialised. Manchester United ultimately captured Mbeumo, while Semenyo remained on the south coast before switching to Manchester City in a deal completed only last month.

Since those transfers went through, the fortunes of both players have soared. Semenyo has slotted seamlessly into Pep Guardiola’s star-studded line-up, adding pace and direct running that have coincided with an upturn in City’s results at the summit of the Premier League. Mbeumo, meanwhile, has hit the ground running at Old Trafford, contributing goals and assists that have helped Erik ten Hag’s side climb the table.

Speaking to Metro Sports, Wright did not hide his frustration at seeing the duo flourish elsewhere. “When you see how he, Mbeumo, plays, absolutely he would have strengthened Arsenal,” the former striker said. “It’s the same with Semenyo; you watch Semenyo and think, ‘I could see him at Arsenal’. I could see Mbeumo at Arsenal as well. Gutted.”

Arsenal invested heavily last summer, bringing in the likes of Eberechi Eze and Viktor Gyokeres, yet neither has produced the consistent end product the club hoped for. With the title race tightening and a Carabao Cup final against City looming, the contrast between Arsenal’s new arrivals and the impact of Semenyo and Mbeumo elsewhere has become impossible to ignore.

Wright’s assessment underlines a growing sentiment among supporters that the club may have missed a pivotal opportunity to reinforce their attacking depth. As the season enters its decisive phase, every point—and every goal—could prove crucial, leaving Arsenal to ponder what might have been had they pushed harder to secure either forward.

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