Arsenal is actively seeking a new striker and has been engaged in discussions over several potential options in recent weeks. However, despite their efforts, they have been unable to secure any of their primary targets so far. This is far from the ideal situation the club wishes to find itself in, and Arsenal are keen to ensure that this changes before the transfer window closes.
That said, there remains no guarantee that Arsenal will sign a recognised goalscorer to bolster their squad during this transfer window. The club’s plans appear flexible, as they may choose to sign other attacking players regardless of whether a new number nine arrives. In other words, Arsenal could bring in additional forwards without necessarily recruiting a traditional central striker.
Alternative Options and Tactical Adjustments
One possible solution to Arsenal’s striking concerns could come from within the existing squad. According to a report in the Daily Mail, the Gunners might consider deploying Gabriel Martinelli as a centre-forward. The Brazilian winger could face increased competition for playing time on the left flank, especially with players such as Noni Madueke and Rodrygo being linked with moves to the Emirates. The report suggests that Martinelli may be shifted to play through the middle as a way to maintain his presence in the team.
Martinelli has demonstrated his capability in the central striker role on several occasions, including a notable performance against Liverpool at Anfield. His adaptability and attacking instincts have impressed observers, which may make him a viable option to lead the line should Arsenal choose not to pursue a new number nine.
Looking Ahead to Next Season
It will certainly be interesting to observe how Arsenal’s team evolves when the new season begins. Whether through new signings or tactical changes involving current players like Martinelli, the club is likely to experiment with different options in attack to improve its goal-scoring output.
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I’m not sure he can be the ‘big bully’ we need up front but then if we don’t sign a striker (heaven forbid), then it may work but that’s if he hasn’t been sold by then! And it’s Cheerio to Tomiyasu who’s contract has been terminated by mutual consent, good luck in the future Tomi, I have always liked you but with injuries you just didn’t play enough.
Misses more than he hits. Not a good idea at all. He has two left feet when it comes to shooting.
Scored 8 PL goals, same as Trossard, but played 2 less PL games than Trossard…
And? Is that supposed to justify something?
Well it says he has a better goals to games ratio 🙄
What has that got to do with the article?
What has that got to do with him (in my opinion) not being good enough to be a striker, no9?
Tomiyasho is a waste of resource.Let him go in peaces
Bit harsh, guys an incredible player when fit and on low wages. I understand why the club felt they had to let him go but personally I’ll miss him. One of the best 1to1 defenders anywhere
Tomi was very good when it came to 1 on 1 defending. Very competent defender all round.
But he had turned into a RVP, Diaby, Rosiscky, Wilshere etc..
But good luck to him.
👍
Don’t be rude. He was great when fit.
It should be Martinelli and the new LW competing, selling Trossard makes sense if we’re bringing a few players in up front. Especially given age. We’ve brought/bringing in players that will help get balls to the left of attack, Zubimendi, Norgaard, Mosquera and a fit Calafiori could all bring the best out of GM11.
I’m not sure Martinelli would be the ideal centre forward for a possession based team like ours. I could see him flourishing in that role for a counter-attacking team like Brentford.
1. Hold up play- can Martinelli hold and shield the ball while tussling with physical centre backs? I don’t think so.
2. Finishing- there’s little to indicate that Martinelli could become an elite finisher.His decision making in front of goal is inconsistent.
3. Aerial ability- Martinelli doesn’t have the size or athleticism to be dominant in air.
4. Movement- there’s something to work with here. He knows how to be in the right place in the box but there are question marks about his composure when he gets to these positions.
5. Link up play- sometimes our centre forward is required to drop into midfield and act as a focal point. Harry Kane does this so well. I don’t think Martinelli has the passing ability to find other attackers when in a deeper position.
Conclusion- Martinelli could work as a Centre forward, just not for a possession based team. The left inside forward remains his best position, he just needs more support. In 2022/23, he had Xhaka, he had Zinchenko and he had Jesus who often drifted to the left. This allowed him to get into areas in which he thrived.
I saw something Zubimendi do that could be of help to Martinelli. He consistently found Nico Williams on the left wing for Spain. Zubimendi’s ability to play fast balls to the wings will be massive for our wingers.
Great analysis as usual. I always look forward to reading your thoughts whenever there is a new article. Keep it up.
Similar to how I see think of Martinelli.
To me he is very porous with his hold up, always tentative and easy to dispossess.
Can’t finish, he will score a worldie or a neat goal here and there but overall his finishing is terrible.
But with a team like this one we have at the moment anyone can score a few goals as an emergency striker (Havert and Merino have shown this). Even Trossard was tried there.
We should sign either Victor Osimhen or Victor Gyokeres. This is not rocket science
But to honest it’s up to the managers to decide what kind / type of player suits their style and system.
Because if it was as easy as we all seem to think it is then we would all be top managers managing the top clubs at the highest level.
Isn’t it?
😊
The point about a manager getting a suitable player is spot on. Who knows how it might have turned out for Emery had he got Zaha,who he wanted, instead of Pepe who most people, including fans, wanted?
Pepe had just put up unbelievable numbers in the French league and we all thought it would translate at Arsenal. We didn’t care whether or not he would fit in Emery’s style. Well, I was wrong and so were many others. I remember Gotanidea was one of the few who raised some questions about Pepe and he was ridiculed for it.
Emery also wanted Nzonzi and was given Torreira instead.
We know how that ended too.
But also on the other hand managers have their own blind spots, they do sign players that end up tanking too.
But we as fans have little to criticise managers about as we ain’t got a clue. We are just surface level armchair managers. 😊
But his numbers in the first year under Emery was great.
No more square pegs in round holes please.