As Arsenal dive into the summer transfer window, Gooners are hoping they emerge with a more potent attacking setup.
Many fans feel that, when fully fit, Arsenal’s midfield and defence are already of title-winning quality. However, doubts continue to surround the effectiveness of the forward line, and whether it is strong enough to truly challenge at the highest level.
Concerns over the current attacking options
In attack, Bukayo Saka is the only player whose consistency, quality and suitability are unquestioned.
Kai Havertz has led the line with flashes of promise but is not seen as the clinical finisher required to lead Arsenal’s charge. Meanwhile, Leandro Trossard and Gabriel Martinelli have both had inconsistent seasons, leading to ongoing debate about the long-term plans for the left-wing position.
With Arsenal expected to sign a proper number nine this summer, attention could quickly turn to whether another winger should also be added, especially someone capable of having the same impact on the left as Saka does on the right.
Arsenal’s winger search may hinge on outgoings
According to The Athletic, whether Arsenal move for a high-profile winger like Nico Williams or Jamie Bynoe-Gittens may depend entirely on what happens with Martinelli and Trossard.
Trossard, whose contract runs until 2027, is reportedly in talks over a new deal, not to extend his stay, but to reflect his growing importance with a pay rise. Arsenal value his impact and want to acknowledge that with improved terms, although the Belgian still has admirers in Europe and Saudi Arabia. Should a tempting offer arrive, both club and player are expected to consider it.
Martinelli, whose contract also expires in 2027, appears more secure. The report suggests Arsenal remain committed to keeping their core group together and still consider the Brazilian an important player. He is not actively being shopped around, but the club may consider a sale if a bid in the region of £50 million is submitted.
Meanwhile, Reiss Nelson is likely to be sold, and Raheem Sterling is expected to return to Chelsea following a short loan.
The idea that Arsenal’s winger plans are dependent on sales is a curious one. Ideally, Trossard and Martinelli would have done enough to hold down the left-wing role between them, reducing the need for another signing. But both have had underwhelming spells, which is why interest in a new wide player has persisted.
Still, if neither player departs, it appears increasingly likely that Arsenal will pass on signing a winger once again.
Will one attacking addition be enough?
Gooners were hoping for a small attacking overhaul this summer. But if the club’s only major addition is a new striker, there is a risk that the same inconsistencies on the flanks will carry over into the new season.
And if reports are accurate that a winger signing depends on one of Trossard or Martinelli leaving, then Arsenal are unlikely to make any moves, because neither is expected to go.
How do we get around this one Gooners?
Daniel O
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It is strange, as I do think if any should leave, it should be the more productive Belgian.
Martinelli just needs a proper LB and a real striker. Most people say he crosses to no-one, this is true, becasue we have no-one making a real strikers run into the middle! The cross is not the problem, the massive vacant hole we have playing a false 9 is the problem.
As much as I like Trossard, his legs have completely gone now and the lack of creative freedom afforded in our high possession build up has made his contributions less and less. At 30 we can still recoup some half decent funds from him, if we wait another year or 2 it will be the same old story.
Beckham said the same, that it wasn’t his job to aim at the strikers, but their job to get on the end of his crosses.
But let’s be honest, Martinelli’s crosses are poverty. He needs to start taking on his man and try to have a more shots on target. He did that in that season where be score about 15 goals.
Now he just seems to be one dimensional and can’t even beat his man the majority of the time.
He needs to start being a bit more brave like Saka.
Easy to say when Saka has Odegaard on his side, and either White overlapping or Timber pushing up.
Martinelli and Trossard have NO ONE on the left to help them; LB inverted in midfield and no overlapping runs.
I bet even Saka would struggle facing constant double teams and left isolated on the LW like Martinelli and Trossard are.
Add to that no clinical striker, and that is not the way Arteta prefers to play. Arteta prefers playing from the wings and not building up and playing through centrally.
We should sell matinelli at once and get nico williams. Trossad will do well as squad player plus he’s versatile, older and won’t mind benched at times.
Over all martinelli is a shiny player
Fir different reasons, both should be replaced. Trossard is the best finisher and most clever player in the squad but the system or style does not get the best out of him. Martinelli has not trained on and is still playing under 12 style football. He has bags of ability but no real end product. His shooting accuracy is so poor and his ability to create something is so limited. He plays with his head down and is totally unaware of what may be on. Both could bring decent money in and an upgrade is required.
I wouldn’t replace Trossard given how versatile he is. and ideally we keep Martinelli and Trossard – and add a new winger. Otherwise I think it will be the same old story come January 2026. New winger gets injured and we’re back to being crippled on the left.
We need a left winger and a cf to complete the squad. Eze would be my first choice on the left and Sesko upfront. My dark horse option is Sesko and Gykores. Gykores likes to drift left and likes to play off the shoulder similar to Martinelli in a way with way more goals and surprisingly more assists.
Raya
Timber Saliba Gabz MLS
Zumbendi
Rice Havertz
Saka Sesko Gykores
Looking at the goals scored by Gyokeres, he does indeed have a massive bias towards the left. He likes to cut in and shoot from the left, a bit like Auba or Sanchez. He’s not the typical box striker; not great in the air and his hold up play isn’t great either. I just don’t think he’d bully Premier League Centre backs.
Considering Arsenal do pretty much all the playing on the right, someone whose job is just to score would suit that left inside forward role. It’s a role Sanchez and Auba would have enjoyed too,playing off the shoulder. I see Gyokeres and Semenyo as two players that would do well there. Sesko would be great in the middle.
I think if they both stay it makes little difference, because if we sign another left winger they will be there to rotate or deputise when necessary on the wing or through the middle, where both have played this season.
I’ve read that Arsenal are in advanced talks regarding extending Trossard’s contract. Why the rush, as I understand it he’s 30 years old and still has 2 years left on his contract. And no doubt his new contract will be around the 4 year mark. With the way Arsenal give out contracts massive contracts, is it any wonder that they then struggle to sell them on if they no longer require their services.
I don’t understand this obsession with getting rid of highly efficient players to bring in loafers and luxury players like Kai Havertz. I don’t. Martinelli has been the most prolific attacker at the time Saka has been struggling with form after injury layoff. Each time someone needs a scapegoat for poor team performance it’s either Martinelli or Partey. Most of Rice’s average performances are hyped. Saliba has been atrocious, and Saka subpar. Nwaneri has fizzled out but no one talks about them.
What games do you watch and how have you come to the conclusion that Martinelli is efficient ? Havertz Arsenal record is far better than Martinelli. How does a subpar Saka playing far less games have more g/a than Martinelli? Average rice has one less g/a than Martinelli and Nwaneri has half the g/a but less than half the minutes ? I have no issue with dressing down players but please don’t use Martinelli as a measuring stick because his end product is awful.
Fair points you make, I would tend to agree. Saliba has been poor last couple of matches, quite unlike him. Is he “great” when partnered with Gabriel, but only “good” with someone else?
Also think Raya has gotten sloppy the last few matches as well. His distribution has been tragic, couple times he actually passed the ball to the opposition.
Pedro of Brighton would be a good fit for Arsenal.
Him on left Saka right
Martinelli and Trossard as back ups on either flank would be good depth.
Not convinced Arteta will sign a centre forward to replace Harvertz more likely someone who will be happy to be second choice ..
I no longer believe Martinelli will get to the necessary level on a consistent basis. I here all the arguments regarding the lack of left sided support, but regardless, when I look at his performance with the ball at his feet, he rarely beats a man, and his decision making his poor. If we could sell him for 50M I would take it. Thats the head talking, but from the heart, I would love him to stay and prove me wrong.