Mikel Arteta has teased a potential new role for Arsenal attacker Gabriel Martinelli this afternoon.
Arsenal are gearing up to face Southampton at the Emirates Stadium.
Alexandre Lacazette has been absent in training this week and it remains to be seen who the Gunners use to spearhead the attack if the veteran French striker isn’t available.
Eddie Nketiah is the only other recognised number nine still in North London right now.
But could Arteta instead deploy Martinelli through the middle?
Well, don’t rule it out.
Speaking to a press conference via Arsenal’s official website, the Spanish manager was cryptic when asked if the 20-year-old Brazilian – a £6 million signing in 2019 – could start centrally.
He said: “We have many options, so you will see tomorrow.”
Well it isn’t confirmation, but it isn’t a denial either and that’s somewhat exciting.
HITC Sport wrote on Friday about how Arsenal supporters might finally get to see Martinelli as a number nine, due to Lacazette’s absence this week.
And it’s definitely plausible – and even more so after Arteta’s comments.
Normally a wide player under the Spaniard, a striking role makes sense for Martinelli against the Saints and only time will tell if that’s Arteta’s plan.
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