Arsenal is putting a lot of effort into finding a true striker. But one of the other problems for Mikel Arteta is the unstable left wing, where Gabriel Martinelli's performance is not always excellent.
The Brazilian winger clearly played unsatisfactory. He is not sharp enough to create enough opportunities for North London Gunners. But Martinelli still brings speed, flexibility on the left wing, suitable for Arsenal's control play.
If Arteta wants to build the squad in the direction of enhancing creativity on both sides of the corridor, he should sell Martinelli because this player is not suitable for the Gunners' construction.
In the 2024/25 season, Arsenal averages less than three shots each match compared to the 2023/24 season. That is, a 17% reduction in the total number of shots in general. Worse, their conversion rate also decreased. The Gunners need 8 shots for each goal in the season 2024/25 compared to 7 shots/1 goal in the season 2023/24.
Regarding that effective decline, the number of expected goals (XG) for each of their shots has decreased continuously in the last three seasons from 0.122 in the 2022/23 season to 0.118 in the 2023/24 and 0.113 season last season.
Put simply, in the 2024/25 season, Arsenal made fewer shots, each of which was lower quality and lower conversion rates. Therefore, in addition to needing a striker, a reserve goalkeeper and a central midfielder to replace Thomas Partey and Jorginho, Arsenal are also closely linked with some winger to enhance the ability to attack.
Rafael Leao, Rodrygo, Antoine Semenyo and Anthony Gordon are all names appearing in the Gunners' transfer list along with the long -term goal Nico Williams. They are expected to be able to bring more strength and creativity to the left wing of Arsenal, to suit the dynamicness that Bukayo Saka brings to the opposite wing. This leads to Leangro Trossard's go to Saudi Arabia to help Arsenal release the salary fund and increase the transfer fund.
Meanwhile, last weekend, Bild reported that Bayern Munich was very interested in recruiting Martinelli. The Brazilian joined Arsenal in the summer of 2019 at the age of 18. After two bench seasons, he became a pillar in the 2021/22 season. Martinelli impressed when Arsenal unexpectedly won the championship next season, scored 15 goals and created 5 times in the Premier League. However, Martinelli has not improved since then. He leveled off, although there were still many things to devote. And before Arsenal's context, whether Arteta should continue to trust Martinelli or sell him? That is the problem that is not easy to find the answer.
Martinelli was praised by Klopp
While led Liverpool, Jurgen Klopp has repeatedly admired Martinelli. “Martinelli is … a talent of the century. He is an amazing striker. Martinelli, here, people should remember that name. A excellent player in the near future,” the German strategist once shared on The Guardian about this 24 -year -old striker.
