The genius £20m signing that could supercharge Arsenal's title chase - if Spurs don't seal transfer first

Arsenal began their 2024/2025 Premier League season with a confident 2-0 win against Wolves, but Mikel Arteta is not ruling out making further signings to complete their squad. The Spanish manager was asked about the possibility of making another signing before the transfer window closes, and he said: “Listen, everything is still open at the moment, and we have to keep an open mind. If something really good is available, then of course we will be interested.”

There has been talk of signing a striker, but the evolution of football means that even Real Madrid are dominating European football without an out-and-out striker.

They’re literally playing with Vinicius Jr., Mbappe, and Rodrygo - three forwards who interchange. Arsenal could take inspiration from this tactical flex, and make a smart business move by going all in for Brighton’s Simon Adingra. He has every trait to be a special player for Arteta’s expertly crafted side, and he’s still raw enough for the head coach to further develop other aspects of his game, unlocking his full potential.

3 Added Minutes have been told that Brighton are not looking to sell at the moment, but if they were to be offered a fee in the region of £20 million, they might consider it. Brighton bought Adingra for less than £6 million and could sell for more than triple that amount.

Spurs have also been linked with him, having recognised his unique ability in 1v1 situations, his speed of thought, and his quality of execution. The transformation of football now means managers are signing players who can play in multiple positions, and Simon can play as a striker, as he did on multiple occasions under Roberto De Zerbi, or hold the line and play out wide.

He has it all in him to be the ultimate striker and winger—a growing trend. When you’re taking on a team in the title race with the ability of Manchester City, you want to have tools that can do damage from most parts of the field. That kind of tactical versatility is what makes Adingra a one-of-a-kind winger, even at his young age of 22. For that kind of fee and his age, there is only one way to go, and that is up. He can continue to develop into a world-beater under the guidance of Arteta.

Then there is his admirable hard work, something every manager loves—his pressing ability. He just never stops running, and he’s always looking to help out a teammate. One of the things Arteta has succeeded in doing to transform Arsenal has been his ability to spot not just good players, but really good people who can help him realise his vision. In Adingra, he would not only be bringing in a player with tremendous ability but also one who is a brilliant teammate and character to have in the squad.

He has international pedigree too, having helped his home country, the Ivory Coast, win last year’s AFCON, where he was a brilliant addition to the team on their run to the glory. He’s a young man with a rising reputation in English football and surely the kind of signing that could benefit Arsenal hugely.