Speaking on the Talking Transfers Podcast, Graeme Bailey has shared what he knows about Arsenal’s plan to replace Gabriel Jesus.
As everyone will know, Jesus is set for a lengthy spell on the sidelines after picking up a knee injury on World Cup duty.
This is a huge blow to Arsenal’s title chances, and many have pondered whether or not this will lead to the Gunners going out and signing a striker in January.
Well, according to Bailey, the north London club may have an alternative plan.
Indeed, the journalist says that it’s his understanding that Gabriel Martinelli may well get the job as the central striker while Jesus is out of action.
Martinelli could move centrally
Bailey shared what he knows about this situation.
“He is the player, we understand, may get the job centrally in Gabriel Jesus’ absence. I love him as a player, I think he has absolutely everything. This is a great deal for Arsenal. One for the future. He reminds me of Gakpo, this is who Gakpo could be like playing centrally and out wide, I don’t think he’s a Jack of all trades, I just think he’s a good forward,” Bailey said.
Is he good enough?
There’s no doubting that Martinelli is one of the most talented players in the Premier League, but does he have what it takes to play as a centre-forward in this Arsenal team?
His game is largely built around pace and dribbling, but Gabriel Jesus’ role is about so much more than those things.
Martinelli will have to showcase something he’s never shown before if he’s going to be a success here, because the role that Jesus has been playing this season is one of the most complex and complicated roles in the Premier League.
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