4 wingers Unai Emery should target for Arsenal

Unai Emery's first six months as Arsenal head coach have gone as expected so far. The Spaniard has not over performed, nor has he under delivered. The Gunners are still very much in contention to finish in a top four spot and are still fighting for the FA Cup and the Europa League.

Arsenal made a number of decent signings over the summer like Lucas Torreira, Matteo Guendouzi, Bernd Leno and Sokratis to improve their squad. However, after six months, it's clearly visible that they still need more reinforcements, particularly in defense and on the wings. With the current Arsenal transfer rumours doing the rounds, it looks very likely that Arsenal will be signing a center back and Barcelona's Denis Suarez.

But the need for a winger is equally important and given Arsenal's transfer budget, it does not look likely that they will be able to spend so much money this month. Emery just has one out and out winger in the team in Alex Iwobi at the moment, and this has caused huge strain on players like Ozil, Welbeck, and Mkhitaryan, who have been forced to play out of position.

A high profile winger now or in the summer should be a priority. Here is a look at four potential wingers Arsenal and Unai Emery should target:

4. Malcom (Barcelona)

Malcom has been struggling for game time at Barcelona.

Malcom is one of the brightest prospects in world football at the moment and a lot was expected from the Brazilian after he signed for Barcelona. However, things have not gone his way so far. The former Bordeaux man has been struggling for game time at Barca and has managed only nine appearances so far this season.

At 21, Malcom still has a long way to go in his career and could still end up turning around his Barcelona career. But if the Brazilian feels like moving to Spain was the wrong move, he should definitely consider moving to Arsenal as an option. His precision from set pieces, dribbling and crossing ability will certainly be a huge asset for Emery's style of play.

Given that Arsenal were one of the clubs interested in signing him over the summer, it wouldn't be a surprise if they rekindled their interest in him this month or in the summer.

If a move were to happen this month or even in the summer, it would most likely be a loan move given that the Brazilian only recently moved to Barcelona.

3. Cengiz Under (AS Roma)

Cengiz Under will be a wanted man this summer.

Arsenal's interest in Roma's Turkish star Cengiz Under was made public at the start of this transfer window. Reports emerged that the Italian club rejected a €60 million offer from Arsenal. Given Under's impressive performance since he joined, it was very unlikely that Roma were going to sell him in the middle of the season anyway.

The winger has scored six goals and assisted eight so far this season and has been an integral part of Roma's team since he joined them in 2017. Even if Roma do consider selling him, the Italian club will definitely be holding out for the highest bidder.

At 21, Under is still a very raw talent, but he does have a lot of potential. He is direct, likes to cut in and play long balls, and is a player Arsenal can certainly do with.

The Gunners are in desperate need of an out and out winger and Under certainly fits the bill. But Arsenal will definitely have to splash the cash if they are to have any chance of signing the Turkish international.

2. Cristian Pavon (Boca Juniors)

Cristian Pavon is expected to be the next star out of Argentina.

When Cristian Pavon first came into the spotlight, he was dubbed as the next top footballer from Argentina. Arsenal have been linked with him on a number of occasions and have been linked with him in the January transfer window as well. Rumours doing the rounds suggest that Arsenal have already began negotiations with Boca Juniors over a possible move.

The winger has notched up a total of 26 goals and 29 assists for Boca Juniors so far and could add the much needed flair Arsenal have been lacking this season.

The winger has helped Boca win the Argentine Primera Division twice and could be ready to move on to Europe and to bigger and better things. The 22 year old is an amazing passer of the ball, is good at holding the ball and getting other players involved, and is a fantastic dribbler.

The Argentine will definitely have a lot of clubs after him and Emery will definitely have to splash the cash to get him to North London.

1. Nicolas Pepe (Lille)

Nicolas Pepe could be the nest star out of Lille.

Lille have produced a number of stars over the years and Nicolas Pepe is certainly in line to be the next. In his first season at Lille, the Ivory Coast international scored 14 goals and assisted five and is well on his way to surpass that tally this season. With only half the season completed, Pepe has already scored 12 and assisted 7.

Emery's Arsenal have been linked with the 23-year-old a number of times this season. However, Pepe has come out and said that he will definitely be finishing this season with the French club. Any possible deal for the winger will be possible only in the summer and he will be worth around £72 million meaning Arsenal will literally have to break their bank for him.

Pepe has amazing vision, averages 3.4 shots per game and is one of the most fouled players in Ligue 1. With his pace, physicality and dribbling ability, he will easily adjust to the Premier League and should be Emery's number one priority for a winger.

Given Arsenal's financial troubles at the moment, it's very likely that any deal for the wingers mentioned in this story will occur in the summer. But with Arsenal managing with only one winger right now, they really need to spend big to improve their squad for next season.