Arsenal finds Saka's replacement

The Arsenal transfer market has identified Carlos Forbs, a winger from Bruges, as an alternative to cover the loss of Bukayo Saka, who will be sidelined for several weeks due to injury. Mikel Arteta is closely monitoring the Portuguese player, whose performance in Belgium has allowed him to enter the plans of the London club ahead of the next transfer window.

Carlos Forbs impresses with his stats at Bruges

Forbs, at 22 years old, has accumulated 3 goals and 5 assists in nine matches of the Belgian league during the 2026-2027 season. His offensive production has allowed him to gain prominence at Bruges, where he also has one goal and two assists in the Champions League, according to Opta's records.

The Portuguese joined the Belgian team in July 2025 from Ajax and has a contract until June 2029. His current performance and potential for growth make him a profile that could interest teams looking to strengthen their wings without necessarily relying on established players in the English elite.

For Arsenal, his possible signing would represent a bet on a winger who is already producing in European competitions. However, his statistics do not guarantee that he can immediately take on the offensive responsibility of Saka, a regular starter on the right flank and one of the main chance creators for the team.

Carlos Forbs vs Lens 🇵🇹 https://t.co/DP1DcH5nxy

— 🐫 (@mcimali) October 22, 2026

Mikel Arteta needs alternatives while Saka recovers

The injury to Bukayo Saka occurred on October 21 during the Champions League match against Bayern Munich when he had to leave the field in the first ten minutes due to a quadriceps issue. As of November 5, Arteta had not yet set a definitive date for his return.

The coach has had to redistribute playing time in attack during the absence of the Englishman. Noni Madueke and Eberechi Eze are among the alternatives to occupy wide positions, although Saka's recovery will be crucial to determine the actual needs of the squad.

Interest in Forbs should be understood in this context: Arsenal is exploring options to cover a loss that affects an important position in Arteta's system. His ability to contribute goals and assists provides a sporting argument, but the price that Bruges may demand and the adaptation to the Premier League would be decisive factors. Additionally, Manchester City, the club where Forbs came through the ranks, is also vying for his signing.

For now, the next step will be to assess how Saka progresses over the coming weeks and whether Forbs maintains the level shown in Belgium. The Arsenal will have to decide whether to seek an immediate solution for the right flank or prepare for a future operation, with Carlos Forbs as one of the names to watch for the winter market and next summer.

This is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, El Arsenal localiza al sustituto de Saka