Could Real Betis dribbler be Arsenal's January left wing answer?
Arsenal's search for a left winger continues, and one name worth watching closely is Real Betis forward Abde Ezzalzouli, according to football.london.
The Moroccan international, who spent time at Barcelona between 2021 and 2023, has developed into a key figure under Manuel Pellegrini at Betis. Aston Villa and Newcastle were among the clubs credited with interest last summer, but Ezzalzouli chose to stay in Seville, where his form has continued to rise.
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Described as a slick, right footed dribbler who likes to cut inside, Ezzalzouli has drawn comparisons to Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, who recently ruptured his ACL in PSG's 4-2 win over Barcelona. While few wingers in Europe operate at Kvaratskhelia's level, the report suggests Ezzalzouli has a genuinely high ceiling of his own.
His quality was on full display last month in the Champions League against Porto, where he curled home a stunning strike from range into the top corner. Last season he produced 10 goals and nine assists across all competitions for Betis, and he has already scored four times this term, putting him on course to beat those numbers.
Why Arsenal's left wing search goes on
Arsenal have already been active in the position this year. The club pursued Morgan Rogers and Vinicius Junior without success, while Bradley Barcola was eventually deemed too expensive and joined Liverpool instead.
Arsenal moved instead for Christos Tzolis, signed from Club Brugge for £34million, and have also deployed Eberechi Eze on the left side of attack despite him being a more natural attacking midfielder by trade.
According to football.london, Antonio Nusa remains on Arsenal's radar, but RB Leipzig are said to be firm that the Norwegian will not be sold in January. Eli Junior Kroupi is also highly rated by the club, though he operates as a centre forward rather than a winger. Liverpool, meanwhile, are working to tie Rio Ngumoha down to a new contract, reducing the pool of realistic left wing targets further.
A gamble worth taking?
At 24, Ezzalzouli still has years of development ahead of him, and working under a Spanish speaking coach in Mikel Arteta could smooth any transition to the Premier League. The report frames him as something of a gamble, given he would represent an investment in potential rather than a guaranteed ceiling raiser.
With the January market looking thin at the top end for left sided attackers, Arsenal's recruitment team under Andrea Berta may need to look at less conventional options like Ezzalzouli, or wait until next summer when a wider range of targets could become available.
