One of the main talking points from the early moments of Arsenal’s summer transfer window has been the left wing.
Gabriel Martinelli had another underwhelming season, with the Brazilian’s lack of form and Arsenal’s missing depth highlighted over the 2024/25 campaign.
As a result, Andrea Berta is doing his homework on an array of wide players, with Rodrygo one of Arsenal’s favoured options this summer.
Given Arsenal’s injury crisis in 2024/25, the idea of signing a top-quality attacker to compete with Martinelli is a win-win for Mikel Arteta, who needs fresh combinations to bolster his attack.
David Ornstein shares ominous Gabriel Martinelli transfer update
The thought of Arsenal finally signing a high-quality player to induce competition is exciting, but all is not what it seems.
Amid the growth of reports linking Rodrygo to Arsenal and separate news revealing transfer interest in Martinelli, renowned journalist David Ornstein set the record straight.
Speaking on The Athletic FC Podcast, the transfer expert explained that it’s actually unlikely that Arsenal will sign a top winger to compete with Martinelli, with the reality being it’ll be the Brazilian or someone else.
“Arsenal always wanted to strengthen on the left wing, but they’ve got Gabriel Martinelli there. If he were to leave, then you could see them bringing in a top left-sided winger. If he’s not to leave, I don’t think so.”
Ornstein elaborated by mentioning Rodrygo and fellow Arsenal target Anthony Gordon.
“We’ve reported on the likes of Rodrygo and Anthony Gordon, I think that’s if a Martinelli leaves. I don’t necessarily think that that’s if he was to stay.”
The news will come as a blow to fans, as what was presenting itself to be the end of accepting mediocrity with one first choice in the position, is in fact just more of the same.
Arsenal aren’t learning from past mistakes
Arsenal have finished second in the Premier League for three seasons in a row.
When you consider how the squads of both Liverpool and Manchester City looked when beating Arteta’s side to the title, it’s clear to see where the Gunners were lacking.
Both Arne Slot’s and Pep Guardiola’s squads were packed with star talent in every direction.
If the first choice wasn’t available, the gap between starter and substitute was barely noticeable.
For Arsenal, this isn’t the case, particularly as Martinelli has been underperforming as the first choice with no competition, a situation that the club aren’t as open to changing as initially thought.
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