Arsenal failed to sign a striker in the January transfer window much to the frustration of supporters, yet Mikel Arteta’s latest plan with Gabriel Martinelli could prove an incredible alternative to the north London club.
According to Football London, the Gunners boss has been utilising the Brazilian as a no. 9 in training, a position many Arsenal fans believe Martinelli has the potential to thrive in.
The 20-year-old attacker has enjoyed another successful season with the north London club, with Martinelli making the left-wing position his own and keeping the likes of Emile Smith Rowe and Nicolas Pepe out of the starting XI.
Despite a sending off last week against Wolves, Martinelli has had an impressive campaign with the Gunners, yet fans have been wondering if the forward could be Arsenal’s solution to their centre-forward problem. And now, Arteta is putting plans into motion.
Martinelli can lead Arsenal’s attacker for years to come
The Sao Paulo-born talent has shown glimpses of playing in the striker role ever since arriving in north London in 2019, and with Arteta now playing Martinelli in the position in training, the Arsenal manager could have some big ideas in store for the Brazilian.
Indeed, Martinelli has proven to be a lethal finisher, with the forward scoring four goals in the Premier League from the left-wing. Couple that with his pace and dribbling, then you have yourself a player who has the potential of becoming something quite special.
With Arsenal struggling to sign a striker in January, as well, Martinelli could realistically be an option to lead the line next season should the north London club miss out on more key targets, with the likes of Alexander Isak and Dominic Calver-Lewin valued at extortionate prices.
Position switch could be huge for Smith Rowe’s development
It isn’t just Martinelli and Arsenal fans who could benefit hugely from the position change, but for Smith Rowe, the decision could mean the England international finally returns to the XI to his favoured left-wing role.
The 21-year-old is Arsenal’s top goalscorer in the league this campaign, and whilst Smith Rowe’s impact off the bench has been incredible in recent games, the youngster is simply too good to be sat on the sidelines.
With Martinelli in a striker role, this will allow Smith Rowe to reclaim the left-wing position and to give Arsenal’s attacking four an extremely exciting look, with Martin Odegaard and Bukayo Saka taking up the other two places in the frontline.
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