Arsenal look set to strengthen their squad at the end of the season to take the next step in their development, but one player may not like what the club have planned.
Mikel Arteta has turned Arsenal into title contenders and brought them to the Champions League knockouts, but even if they fall short this season, next season promises to be an exciting one.
There have been plenty of links with key targets ahead of the summer, and it seems that attackers are on the agenda, with Victor Osimhen, Ivan Toney and Nico Williams all recently linked.
A new development has emerged in Arsenal’s transfer plans, and Gabriel Martinelli might be one player who may not be too happy if the club land their desired targets.
Gabriel Martinelli may suffer from Arsenal summer transfers
The Mirror have now reported that Arsenal may target a striker and a winger this summer, and the arrival of a centre-forward could even see Gabriel Jesus move over to Martinelli’s spot on the left wing.
“This summer they would like a striker – which could also allow Gabriel Jesus to play from the left – along with a midfielder and another winger,” the report stated.
Martinelli is Arsenal’s first-choice left-winger ahead of Leandro Trossard and Reiss Nelson, but should Jesus and a new winger also be added to the pecking order in his position, he may find his spot in the starting XI in jeopardy.
Martinelli offers more speed than anyone else
Whilst it may be an option on occasion, it seems unlikely that Jesus will usurp Martinelli in the pecking order on the wing.
Martinelli’s speed makes him a crucial fixture in this Arsenal side, and whilst a winger like Williams would provide strong competition for him, the Brazilian would back himself to keep his place.
David Raya’s recent improvement in distribution makes Martinelli even more important, as he can unlock the goalkeeper’s full potential by running onto his long passes and offering enough speed to beat most full-backs and carry the ball up the pitch.
Additions seem inevitable this summer, and he may even welcome the increased competition, but this does show that no Arsenal player can feel too secure in their position.
Arteta wants quality strength in depth, and this means even players with Martinelli’s quality could find themselves rotated out of the XI, in a similar way to how Pep Guardiola limits Phil Foden’s minutes at Manchester City.
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