‘World-class’ Arsenal star could now play up front for Mikel Arteta after Eberechi Eze signs for the club

Add as preferred source on Google

Arsenal are closing in on a deal to sign Eberechi Eze from Crystal Palace.

After a summer of speculation, it looked as though Eze was set to join North London rivals Tottenham Hotspur as Arsenal continue to struggle to sell some of their squad players.

However, Arsenal hijacked Tottenham’s deal to sign Eze and the England international is set to undergo a medical at the Emirates before completing a £68m transfer.

It gives Mikel Arteta another option in his attacking repertoire after the injury to Kai Havertz and one player in particular could be set for a position change after the deal is completed.

READ MORE: Jamie O’Hara reacts after hearing Arsenal are set to beat Tottenham to Eberechi Eze

Gabriel Martinelli will be Arsenal’s back-up striker for Viktor Gyokeres

Gabriel Martinelli is under intense scrutiny for his performances at the Gunners after being below-par in the last two seasons.

The Brazilian has struggled for form once again in pre-season and was substituted in the 60th minute of Arsenal’s opening day victory over Manchester United.

However, Martinelli could be given a lease of life by moving position to a more central role following the arrival of Eze.

Martinelli was labelled ‘world-class’ by Arsenal fans when he played as the number nine against Liverpool at the back end of last season and he could be used more frequently in that role.

The injury to Havertz will mean that once again Arsenal have just one recognised striker fit and available in Viktor Gyokeres.

The 23-year-old has proven before that he can play the central striker role and his pace could give Arteta another weapon down the middle.

Gabriel Martinelli’s record at centre forward

Gary Neville criticised Martinelli for his performance at Old Trafford but the Brazilian is often left isolated on the wing for the Gunners.

The signing of Eze will help to feed Martinelli and increase his impact on games but as mentioned, it could be from a more central position.

Martinelli boasts an impressive record at centre forward albeit from a small sample size, averaging more than a goal every two games.

If Arsenal are to go deep in every competition this season and eventually win a trophy, it will be a squad effort and Martinelli may be required to show his versatility.