Mikel Arteta simply must start £100k-a-week gem if Arsenal star is unfit for Brentford

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Arsenal are set to face Brentford today in a chance to go top of the Premier League table, but they may be missing Gabriel Martinelli.

The Brazilian was withdrawn with a knock in last week’s victory over Sheffield United, and Mikel Arteta claimed that it was touch-and-go for the winger.

With a crucial Champions League tie against Porto coming up on Tuesday, today’s game could be a chance to rotate a few players, with Jorginho another player who could benefit from coming into that game fresh.

Emile Smith Rowe and Reiss Nelson were both unused substitutes against Sheffield United, but if Martinelli is not fully fit for the Brentford clash, now could be the perfect opportunity to hand one of these Hale End gems a start.

Reiss Nelson could be handed Arsenal opportunity against Brentford

Despite rejecting interest from several clubs last summer to sign a new £100k-a-week deal at Arsenal, Nelson has hardly been given a chance to shine in the Premier League.

The winger has made several appearances as a substitute, with little time to truly make an impact on the match, but when handed rare starts in other competitions, he has impressed at times.

Nelson scored the winner against Brentford in a 1-0 victory in the Carabao Cup earlier this season, but has not started a single game in the league all season.

With Brentford in poor form and suffering injuries at the back, Nelson could provide the perfect speedy alternative to Martinelli against a slow defence.

Reiss Nelson can replace Gabriel Martinelli’s speed

Arsenal are targeting a winger in the summer to add more speed to the attack, with Nico Williams linked, but for now, Nelson could be an internal solution.

Leandro Trossard has impressed in recent weeks as a false nine or a midfielder, but when on the wing, his pace has been questionable, and Nelson offers a more explosive option.

Trossard could also be in line to start in midfield or as a false nine, and could also be saved for the Porto clash. Nelson could come in as one of just a couple of changes, and be given a true chance to fight for his future at the club, whilst also tactically being of benefit given his speed and dribbling ability.

Gabriel Jesus may also be an option on the wing to build up his match fitness, but it remains to be seen whether he will be ready to feature from the start.