Mikel Arteta has reportedly identified an Arsenal player who could be used as an alternative for Bukayo Saka on the right-wing.
The Gunners have made signing a wide-attacker one of their main goals this summer, with Saka playing 47 games in all competitions this season ahead of the 2024 Euros where the winger will likely be a starter for England.
With few opportunities to rest, cover for Saka will be an important mission for Arsenal this summer, with the 22-year-old attacker last season scoring 20 goals and bagging 14 assists in all competitions for the Gunners.
Yet Arteta could now turn to a player already on Arsenal’s books to cover for Saka.
Gabriel Martinelli lined up as potential cover for Arsenal on the right-wing
According to Football Transfers, Gabriel Martinelli could be used as a cover for Saka next season on the right-wing, with the Brazilian international losing his spot out on the left in the final games of the campaign.
Capable of playing out on the opposite wing, Martinelli endured a difficult season last term having enjoyed a breakout year in the 2022/23 campaign, with the 22-year-old scoring just eight goals in all competitions this time around.
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As per the report, Arsenal are weighing up a move for Athletic Club winger Nico Williams, who with a release clause worth £43m could be quite the addition for the Gunners this summer.
However, with Arteta now weighing up using Martinelli as cover for Saka, the north London side could opt to save their pennies for another signing, especially given how good the Brazilian can be when in form.
Williams could help get the best out of Martinelli again
Martinelli is clearly a talented winger with the potential to become one of the best in the world if he can one again find his feet again in the Arsenal system after a year to forget this season.
And the signing of Williams could help bring the best out of Martinelli, with the two players at a similar position in their careers heading into the summer.
Indeed, Martinelli is eager to return to his best and to go up another level to reach his full potential, and the arrival of Williams could do just that, with the Spanish international someone who could help push the forward to his limits.