Kevin Campbell has said on Highbury Squad that Gabriel Martinelli can be world class for Arsenal as a left-sided forward.
The Sky Sports pundit does not think that Martinelli has the attributes to play as a striker for Arsenal.
Campbell, a former Arsenal striker, believes that the 19-year-old Brazilian can be devastating as a left-sided forward.
The Englishman said on Highbury Squad: “I am not sure that Martinelli can be a number 9.
“I think he would be a devastating left-sided forward, but a number 9, you need certain attributes, especially in the Premier League to be top class. He can be world class in his position on the left, I believe.”
Is Campbell right? After all, the Englishman is a former striker and knows what it takes to do well in that position.
Martinelli is a left-sided forward, although there are reports that Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta could eventually play him as a striker.
That could well be a success.
True, the Brazilian – who cost Arsenal £6 million in transfer fees in the summer of 2019, according to Goal.com – is better on the left for now, but he is only 19.
There is still enough time for Martinelli to learn the position.
However, you must also consider that Arsenal do have enough players to play as a striker.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Alexandre Lacazette will be the two main strikers next season – unless, of course, the Gunners sell the latter – while Eddie Nketiah is a regular in the squad and Folarin Balogun recently signed a new contract.
For now, Martinelli is better off playing on the left-hand side and developing his game.
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