Arsenal will likely be looking to replace Gabriel Martinelli in the near future, and they may have a promising internal solution developing within their academy.
Eberechi Eze signed from Crystal Palace last week, and the England international is likely to essentially replace Leandro Trossard in the Gunners’ squad this season.
While Trossard isn’t expected to leave, Eze will likely take the bulk of the minutes the Belgian was granted last season, with Noni Madueke now likely to be mostly used as Bukayo Saka’s deputy on the right.
However, with Martinelli struggling to rediscover his best form, the North Londoners may still need to source another left-sided attacker in the mid-term.
Seb Ferdinand scores winner for Arsenal under-21s and does Eberechi Eze’s celebration
Arsenal’s under-21s beat Brighton’s youth side in dramatic fashion on Friday night at Meadow Park.
Frustrated for long periods against the Seagulls, Max Porter’s side looked to be heading towards a disappointing draw.
However, the team that included the likes of Tommy Setford, Josh Nichols and Andre Harriman-Annous eventually found a breakthrough in the 89th minute.
19-year-old winger Seb Ferdinand tapped home from a Charles Sagoe Jr. cross at the back post, to give Porter his first victory in a competitive match as the under-21s boss.
Ferdinand proceeded to do Eze’s cross-shaped celebration, mimicking the new signing.
This celebration will endear Ferdinand to the Arsenal faithful, who may not yet be overly aware of the youngster’s talents.
The result moves the Gunners up to 13th in the Premier League 2 table after three matches.
Seb Ferdinand could replace Gabriel Martinelli at Arsenal
Ferdinand joined the Hale End academy at the age of 13, and has been developing in the North London club’s youth teams over the last six years.
Yet to make a senior appearance for Mikel Arteta’s side, the wide forward shouldn’t be too far from being included after showing some impressive signs of improvement in the last six months.
Capable of operating on both the right and left wing, this versatility will no doubt be seen as an attractive quality to Arteta, who may view Ferdinand as an outside candidate to replace Martinelli within the next two years.
Quick, creative and technically gifted, Ferdinand has some of the qualities Martinelli possesses, but has the ability to surpass the level the Brazilian has reached.
Arsenal have spent over £250 million on players this summer, and may therefore be prepared to look internally when building their squad over the next few years.
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