Arsenal target £100m Olise as Saka injury toll prompts Arteta to rethink right wing

Arsenal are tracking Bayern Munich winger Michael Olise as a potential £100m-plus signing, with manager Mikel Arteta understood to be considering a structural shift on the right flank following a succession of injuries to Bukayo Saka, according to a report from Fichajes.

The Spanish outlet reports that Arsenal are “closely monitoring” Olise’s contract situation at Bayern, while German journalist Florian Plettenberg has relayed that “informal contacts” between the Bavarians and the France international have already begun — a sign that his future in Munich is not guaranteed.

Saka, 25, remains Arsenal’s most-used player under Arteta across 300 appearances since the Spaniard took charge in 2019, but a run of injuries has visibly affected his pace and explosiveness on the right flank. FourFourTwo understands that Saka is considered unsellable under any circumstances — he signed a long-term contract extension earlier this year — but that the arrival of Olise could prompt Arteta to evolve his role rather than replace him.

The blueprint may already exist. During last season’s injury crisis, Saka deputised as a number ten in the absence of Martin Odegaard and Mikel Merino, with Noni Madueke providing the width to his right. Arteta’s No.7 impressed in that more central position, suggesting a longer-term repositioning is plausible.

Further depth on the right could also come from within. Sixteen-year-old academy prospect Max Dowman has been identified as a candidate for the right-flank role, while Madueke featured on the left in Arsenal’s recent Premier League win over Leeds United — a hint at the tactical flexibility Arteta is building.

Olise, who began his career in the Arsenal academy before moving to Reading and then Crystal Palace, would be returning to his home city if a deal were struck. His close relationship with Eberechi Eze, forged during their time together at Selhurst Park, adds another layer of appeal to a potential reunion in north London.

Arsenal are not the only club interested in Olise, but the combination of a Premier League title challenge, a familiar city, and a clear role in Arteta’s system could give the Gunners a meaningful edge in any pursuit.