Gabriel Martinelli’s future at Arsenal has been a subject of speculation for quite some time, with rumors swirling that the Brazilian winger could be sold this summer to fund the club’s ambitious transfer plans.
But while questions about his future loom large, there are still signs that the 22-year-old has what it takes to remain an important part of Mikel Arteta’s squad moving forward.
Martinelli’s Role Against Liverpool Shows His Potential
In Arsenal’s recent draw with Liverpool, Martinelli showcased glimpses of the form that made him a standout in previous seasons.
After switching to a false nine role, Martinelli’s presence in the center of the attack was undeniable.
He made intelligent runs, constantly probing the defensive lines, and gave Liverpool’s Virgil van Dijk and company plenty to think about.
Just two minutes into the second half, Martinelli capitalized on Leandro Trossard’s cross, heading the ball into the net to reduce the deficit and ignite Arsenal’s comeback.
For Arsenal, it was a crucial result. Despite their painful exit from the Champions League, the Gunners still have their eyes set on securing a spot in next season’s competition.
And it was clear from the tactical shift in the Liverpool game that Martinelli, when deployed centrally, could be the solution to Arsenal’s attacking woes in the coming weeks.
Is Martinelli’s Central Role the Key to Unlocking His Potential?
Throughout much of this season, Martinelli has often found himself stuck on the left wing, where he’s been tasked with stretching play and creating chances.
However, his ability to threaten the goal from central positions has been overlooked, at times, by Arteta.
Against Liverpool, though, Martinelli thrived in the center, making runs that disrupted the Reds’ defense and positioning himself as a constant option in the penalty area.
According to his heat map from the match, Martinelli had more touches in the box than in any other league game this season, highlighting just how effective he can be when given the freedom to roam and attack directly.
As Arsenal faces a tough stretch of fixtures, including a crucial match against Newcastle, it seems that Arteta will have little choice but to rely on Martinelli’s versatility.
With key players like Mikel Merino suspended and Trossard struggling with injuries, Martinelli may have the perfect opportunity to prove himself as the central figure Arsenal needs.
Transfer Rumors and Competition for Places
Arsenal’s summer transfer plans are already in full swing, with the club looking to bring in a marquee left winger and potentially a striker to strengthen their attacking options.
Martinelli’s position could be in jeopardy, especially with reports suggesting that Athletic Club’s Nico Williams is high on the club’s list of potential targets.
If a new winger is brought in, Martinelli may find himself battling for minutes from the bench, which could affect his development and confidence.
Despite the transfer rumors, Martinelli remains a player highly regarded by Mikel Arteta and his teammates.
Known for his lightning-fast pace, Martinelli’s contributions on the field are undeniable, but his form has been inconsistent in recent seasons.
Last year, he suffered a significant foot injury, which disrupted his momentum and opened the door for Trossard to seize the spotlight.
With fewer goals and assists this season, it’s been difficult to evaluate Martinelli’s impact, but his raw talent is still evident.
A Career-Defining Summer for Martinelli
After his breakout 2022-23 season, in which he scored 15 goals and provided six assists, Martinelli was expected to continue his ascent as one of Arsenal’s key attackers.
Unfortunately, injuries and inconsistent performances have made it hard for him to replicate that success. But as the summer approaches, Martinelli finds himself at a crossroads.
His future at the club could very well depend on how he performs in the final few matches of the season, especially with Arsenal’s lofty ambitions to compete for silverware next season.
This summer could determine whether Martinelli remains a core part of Arteta’s project or whether he will be sacrificed to fund the arrival of new, high-profile signings.
Either way, Martinelli’s journey at Arsenal is far from over, and if he can rediscover the form that made him a standout performer, he may just secure his place in the squad for years to come.