Arsenal have now been told that they should push to sign one player who is even better than Gabriel Martinelli.
Gabriel Martinelli endured a difficult season for Arsenal last time out.
The Brazilian winger slipped down the pecking order in the second half of the campaign, as Leandro Trossard’s form demanded that he be granted a regular starting berth.
Meanwhile, Martinelli ended the campaign having racked up 8 goals and 5 assists in 44 outings, across all competitions. This represents a significant drop off from the figures he posted in the previous season, when he recorded 15 goals and 6 assists in 46 appearances.
It is not unusual for a young player’s form to fluctuate over the course of his development. The 22-year-old will still be desperate to bounce back next season and remind Mikel Arteta what he is capable of. Arsenal legend Thierry Henry does not doubt Martinelli’s capacity to shine at the highest level.
However, the standard at the top end of the Premier League table, where the North London club are now competing, is so high that any weaknesses will be punished. It can now be argued that Martinelli does not reflect that standard required, at this stage in his career.
Should Arsenal trade in Gabriel Martinelli for Rafael Leao?
Journalist James Benge, speaking on the Inside Arsenal YouTube channel, believes that there is an opportunity to upgrade on Martinelli by signing Rafael Leao.
The reporter said: “I do dream of a, sort of, even higher level. I don’t want anyone to think I’m down on Gabriel Martinelli. I think he’s a fantastic footballer, but he’s one of those players where you do think there could be an upgrade there…Rafael Leao. Pace to burn. Used to leading an attack. Ticks a lot of boxes.”
There is no doubting that Leao is a fabulous player. The Portuguese winger just enjoyed another fine campaign with AC Milan, as he racked up 15 goals and 14 assists in 47 games, across all competitions.
However, the 25-year-old is also capable of inconsistent spells, and also has three years of development beyond Martinelli. Whilst there is no doubting that the 27-cap Portugal international would be an exciting arrival at the Emirates Stadium, he is not a necessity, and certainly would not come cheaply.
Why Mikel Arteta must keep faith in Martinelli
Martinelli deserves patience. He is a fantastic player with vast potential, who perhaps suffers from natural comparisons with his Arsenal teammate Bukayo Saka. The pair are the same age after all, but it ought not be forgotten that Saka’s consistency for a player of his age is simply extraordinary.
What’s more, Arteta has greater areas of concern in his squad to address beyond the left-wing. Signing a midfielder is now a priority for Arsenal, and in any case, they already have the impressive Trossard to call upon out wide should Martinelli’s indifferent form endure.