Gabriel Martinelli can be a frustrating player to watch. There is no doubt about the talent that the Brazilian possesses, and why, unlike so many other players Mikel Arteta inherited when he arrived in December of 2019, the winger has survived the massive team overhaul – until now, at least.
The transfer window remains open and football.london understand the club are looking to sign a third attacking player on top of Viktor Gyokeres and Noni Madueke. Specifically, they would like an option that can operate on the left-hand side, hence the links to Rodrygo, Anthony Gordon and Eberechi Eze.
Martinelli started on the left for the Gunners’ first match of pre-season as they won 1-0 against AC Milan. The only goal of the game came in the second half, after the winger had been swapped for Leandro Trossard, who was involved in the build-up for the opening goal; he combined with Jakub Kiwior, who would cross successfully for Bukayo Saka.
Even then, Trossard didn’t have a particularly standout performance. He improved when he moved into the middle with Reiss Nelson coming on to play left wing. The 25-year-old linked with a move to Fulham was clearly the most effective of the three players we saw on the left.
Ironically, on the opposite side of the field for Milan was a player many Arsenal fans would like to see at the club: Rafael Leao. The Portuguese international, famed for his speed, power, and trickery, started for Massimiliano Allegri’s team on the left and played at times through the middle.
However, while watching the game, I couldn’t help but notice many of the regular problems that I see in Martinelli’s game: the inconsistency, the decision-making that leaves much to be desired, and the execution in threatening moments.
Leao had one shot, which, despite having space and time, was fired straight into the arms of Kepa Arrizabalaga. He managed in both halves to find himself in plenty of space to run into dangerous positions, but holding onto the ball for too long was eventually crowded out and dispossessed.
Martinelli has just not been the same player he was in 2022/23 when he returned 20 goals and assists (15 and 5). The following season, he returned just 10 (six goals, four assists), and last season, 12 (eight goals and four assists).
Yet looking at Leao’s last three seasons, it’s a similar story. 23 goals goals and assists, the next season this dropped to 18 and last season it dropped to 16. The 26-year-old’s diminishing returns and significantly worse defensive work rate compared to Martinelli just do not add up to what I seemingly see while pining for the winger to come to Arsenal. If the game against Milan was anything to go by, it would be more of the same from Leao if he were to replace Martinelli.
For me, Eberechi Eze, while not an out-and-out winger but can play on the left, would be the smarter move this summer instead of spending big on a left wing market which is not forthcoming with options that are not wildly overpriced. Save that for next season and also with Noni Madueke already through the door, he could also have a say for the role this season alongside Eze.
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