Arsenal’s summer activity will be partly shaped by whether they offload a particular first-team star, according to one transfer insider.
The Gunners are looking to bring in around five new faces as they supercharge a fresh title bid after falling short again, Mail Sport has reported.
Kepa Arrizabalaga became the first arrival on Tuesday as they activated his £5million release clause at Chelsea and handed him a three-year deal to challenge David Raya.
But Mikel Arteta has insisted this will be a ‘big summer’ and further reinforcements are expected – not least after the departures of Jorginho, Thomas Partey, Kieran Tierney, Nuno Tavares, and Marquinhos.
One position they could target to strengthen is the left wing, but that depends on the future of Gabriel Martinelli.
‘They’ve always wanted to strengthen on the left wing, but they’ve got Gabriel Martinelli, a very fine player, there already,’ David Ornstein told The Athletic FC Podcast.
Arsenal will look to buy a new left winger this summer – but only if they sell Gabriel Martinelli
The Brazilian’s contract runs until 2027 but there has been debate over his impact on the left
Mikel Arteta is looking to make around five signings but a number nine is the priority for him
‘If he were to leave, then you can see them bringing in a top left-sided winger. If he’s not to leave, then I don’t think so.
‘We’ve talked and reported on Rodrygo and Anthony Gordon – I think that’s if Martinelli leaves.
‘I don’t necessarily think that’s if he were to stay.’
Martinelli’s contract expires in 2027 after he agreed a four-and-a-half-year extension in February 2023.
He has remained an integral part of Arteta’s team year-on-year but he has come under criticism for a lack of end product.
Mail Sport has reported how Arsenal are looking at three alternatives to Martinelli. Nico Williams of Athletic Bilbao is the priority but his wages make it a difficult deal to do.
AC Milan’s Rafael Leao and Borussia Dortmund’s English winger Jamie Gittens have been looked at, too
Martinelli managed 10 goals and eight assists in 51 games last season – a respectable haul but one which leaves more to be desired.
Nico Williams would be a dream signing on the left flank but his wages make it a difficult deal
Jamie Carragher said last season that Arsenal are one ‘world-class attacker away’ from a genuine title tilt
On the opposite flank, Bukayo Saka scored 14 and created 12 goals despite missing more than three months of the season with injuries.
Meanwhile, breakout star Ethan Nwaneri only scored one goal fewer – in 14 fewer games.
Fans have at times called for Martinelli to be given a chance to play down the middle, where he can threaten the heart of teams with his pace and trickery.
That is likely a conversation which will reignite if he stays, particularly if Martin Odegaard continues to blow hot and cold.
Jamie Carragher believes Arsenal are a ‘world-class attackers’ short of a robust Premier League title tilt.
He said last season: ‘I don’t think it’s a striker necessarily but I think it’s an attacking player. For me, when you see this lad, Saka, on the right side and you see what they have on the left, it’s like chalk and cheese.
‘Now, Martinelli and Saka, a few years ago were almost at a similar level but Saka has jumped up to be one of the best players in European football in his position but Martinelli unfortunately hasn’t joined them.
‘I’ve always felt, last two years and even this year, the reason I’ve never gone for Arsenal is I feel they’re a world class attacker short. When I think of the other teams that Chelsea have, that Liverpool have, that City have, I don’t think they’ve got that quality.’
