Arsenal’s need for a left winger has now become a talking point across social media platforms.
After yet another lacklustre pre-season showing from Gabriel Martinelli, this time in the 1-0 North London derby defeat to Tottenham Hotspur in Hong Kong, the consensus is growing: the Brazilian does not currently deserve to be starting for Arsenal.
Many feel that unless Mikel Arteta is bold enough to demand a natural left-wing signing, the Gunners will remain heavily right-sided, even if they manage to land left-central midfielder Eberechi Eze.
Eze not a solution for wide left role
Stylistically, Eze does not solve Arsenal’s left-wing issues. Given how Arteta uses his left-back (often inverting into midfield), he needs a natural winger to stretch the pitch and hold width. That role will not get the best out of Eze, whose profile is better suited to a central position.
The Palace man, whose opening bid is expected this week, is far more effective driving through the middle, carrying the ball forward and adding spark to midfield transitions. Arsenal undoubtedly need more creativity and directness in that area, but a proper winger is also vital.
Rodrygo: The opportunity Arsenal must explore
Arsenal’s priority left-wing target is Rodrygo. However, the Gunners are reportedly unwilling to meet his current wage demands.
With Liverpool now shifting their focus to Alexander Isak, Arsenal could have a clear path to Rodrygo if they are willing to compromise. Both Liverpool and Arsenal are considered ideal destinations for the Brazilian, but urgency from Arsenal may be the deciding factor.
As reported by ESPN Brazil:
“Now, after realising that the situation has not improved with Xabi, some people no longer completely rule out a possible exit from the market in the last few days. In fact, according to the report, there are several intermediaries working in this direction.”
And crucially:
“One month before the market closes, the situation could change and sources suggest that, in the event of an exit, the idea that would most seduce the player would be to join the Premier League.”
Overcoming the final hurdle
Wages are the sticking point, but if a permanent deal proves too costly, Arsenal could explore a loan. Rodrygo wants more game time and Real Madrid may not guarantee it. At 24, a temporary move could help preserve his value and give him the regular football he craves.
With Liverpool looking elsewhere, the Gunners may never get a better opportunity to land their number one winger target.
Thoughts Gooners?
Daniel O
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I don’t believe he’s pricing himself out with wage demands, all I think is the major problem is Madrid’s asking price. I do think we can afford that too if we balance the books with sales. I’m also not writing off a loan deal, it’s very much realistic.
Not only Liverpool but spurs also interested in signing him.
I think Arsenal should try and sign Rodrygo to upgrade the quality on the left flank, i think if Arsenal sign Rodrygo they would be able to win the Premier League title.
I Think Arsenal Still Has More Players In The Mid Field Area Compared To The Wide Left Area. They Need Rodrygo Both In The Long And Short Run Looking At His Age. They Will Solve That Left Wing Area Issue For The Next Seven Years.
I Think Arsenal Should Cash On Trossard, Then Both Rodrygo And Martinelli Will Be Used There.
Rod would be a good addition. However, this will also limit the chances for Nwaneri to play on the left. Martinelli would be number 2 if Rod was signed. Trossard offers more coming off the bench, so he’d be number 3. Nwaneri wouldn’t be happy, and there are a multitude of midfield options now that allow a central midfielder to play wide on the right – Odegard might even be forced there to accommodate our new additions. Only way he signs is if Trossard goes and more than likely, Martinelli also.
Rodrygo and Eze? That’s another huge expenditure in fees and wages.
I’m not sure Arsenal will contemplate that at present as they’re still seem no closer yet to selling players for any sort of reasonable fees. There’s still time, and Berta has a good record as a seller, but the window closes in less than a month now and there’s a lot to do.
I don’t think his wages will be a problem. It looks like he is currently on 210K per week, given what other players are on, something around 250K a week should suffice (I can’t believe I am even saying that… Football salaries these days are ridiculous!)
If we really are going for him, we won’t get Eze as well. It will be one or the other.
We can’t have all this transfer talk and then go with Martinelli again. We’ve been looking at this position for years now, which isn’t gonna fill Martinelli with confidence. This time, we need to act.
I don’t believe Martinelli can get back that form from the 22/23 season. Teams back then played a different way against us. When they realized we were up there with City, along came the low block and doubling up on wide players. This is why Martinelli’s form dropped