Arsenal suffered a 1-0 defeat to Tottenham Hotspur in Hong Kong.
The Gunners had won the first two games in their tour of Asia. They beat AC Milan and Newcastle United in Singapore, and Mikel Arteta was hoping to make it three out of three at the Kai Tak Sports Park.
However, a long-range Pape Matar Sarr goal, combined with Arsenal looking toothless in attack, handed Spurs a win in the first North London Derby outside the United Kingdom.
Arsenal had the same problems they did last season, and it has become absolutely clear who they should sign before the window shuts.
Arsenal’s next target must be Rafael Leao, not Eberechi Eze
Every Arsenal fan would love to see Eberechi Eze join the club, and we are no different.
The England international is a magical player, and he is capable of producing brilliant moments out of nothing. That is definitely something Arsenal are lacking right now.
We really hope Andrea Berta will make a move for Eberechi Eze in the coming weeks, but before that happens, Arsenal need to address a major problem they have.
Gabriel Martinelli has looked really underwhelming in attack in the three pre-season games, and he looks nothing like the player he was in the 2022/23 season.
That makes things harder for Arsenal in attack, especially against low blocks.
The Gunners need someone who is nearly unstoppable in 1v1 situations on the left flank, and we think Rafael Leao is absolutely perfect.
The Portugal international is rapid, an exceptional dribbler, and he has the ability to create and score goals against any defence from the left wing.
We think Arsenal’s problems in attack will all be solved if they land Leao this summer.
Arsenal fans all make the same point about Rafael Leao and Gabriel Martinelli
Arsenal fans all want Martinelli to succeed after the promise he showed in his first few years at the club.
All the real supporters are still behind the Brazilian, but they also understand that the Gunners need to bring in another left-winger.
Leao is the most popular choice.
One Arsenal fan said: “I think Martinelli could be a star in a system that recognises his strengths and plays to them, and we just don’t at all. Leao is our LW!”
Another tweeted: “It’s clear Martinelli and Odegaard are going to be Arsenal’s problem next season. We need Leao and Eze,”
“I’ve supported Martinelli for a long time, but the truth is he hasn’t really improved. He offers very little in terms of shooting, passing or dribbling. For a team that relies on possession, he just doesn’t contribute enough. We need both Leao and Eze, not just one,” said another.
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