Arsenal have offloaded Gabriel Martinelli in this transfer window, with the Brazilian now set to continue his career at Al Hilal. The move comes just weeks after the Gunners won the Premier League title, with Martinelli playing an important role during their campaign.
One of his key contributions was the goal that salvaged a point against Manchester City as Arsenal made a fine start to the season. Martinelli has been one of the key players in the team since Mikel Arteta became their manager, and the attacker worked hard to remain relevant.
Despite his efforts, Martinelli was not given another season at Arsenal as the Gunners chose to cash in on a player who had served them for several years. His departure has now raised questions about whether the squad is weaker than it was last season.
Durham questions Martinelli sale
The Gunners viewed Martinelli as a key asset to sell and completed his move to Al Hilal. However, Adrian Durham believes Arsenal’s attack could be weaker following his departure, particularly after Trossard also left the club.
Martinelli’s goal rate was not particularly impressive last season, but Durham believes his contribution should not be judged purely by his numbers. The Brazilian produced an important moment against Manchester City that had a significant impact on Arsenal’s title challenge.
Durham pointed towards that goal when discussing whether Arsenal have lost some attacking strength. He believes Martinelli’s contribution extended beyond his overall goal tally, particularly because of the importance of what he produced against one of Arsenal’s main rivals.
Martinelli’s title contribution
Durham said on Talk Sport:
“Arsenal’s attack, is it weaker than last season? Because if you look, Trossard has gone, Martinelli has gone.
“Martinelli, his goal rate wasn’t great last season, but he scored a very important and very good goal against Man City for a draw which effectively, and I know mathematically it doesn’t stack up, but psychologically, it won them the title.”
Martinelli’s departure therefore leaves Arsenal without a player who played an important part in their title success. While the Gunners decided his value was enough to justify a sale, Durham believes his influence should not be underestimated.
With both Martinelli and Trossard gone, Arsenal will need their remaining attackers to make up for their departures. The Gunners will hope their squad can remain strong enough to defend the title.
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Strange one this one …
Good player – who I said personally that he was “our new Sanchez “when he came through ,but just not kicked on ,time was right to sell ..but was obvious that he needed replacing but his replacement looks a lvl below ,and we’ve lost 3 more forwards .
Like I said strange
I was same, and he didn’t live up to it. But he was still handy. Sometimes his speed was what needed and he fitted the system nicely. Trossard even bigger loss. Sure hope no more injuries for Saka.
I agree with Durham that Martinelli made some key contributions. Not as consistently as we might have liked, but key nonetheless, especially in Champions League. Some additional thoughts:
(1) If we really wanted to sell Martinelli for the transfer record, why not at least keep Trossard?
(2) It’s really sad to me personally to see Martinellli go to the Saudi Pro League. He’s throwing away his relevance, personal growth, and challenge all for money. Enjoy living in an oppressive regime and playing road matches in front of 1,500 fans then I guess, Gabi. Very disappointing.
(3) Tzolis looks promising so far, but we are clearly thinner in attack then last season. Baffling and frustrating, as other stories have gone into detail about. I hope Eze and Madueke are WAY better and more consistent than last season and/or we handle the attacking end of our transfer business WAY better in January.
We need the costly Eze and Madueke to produce the goods this season, but, unfortunately ,i doubt if they will.Indeed, i expect Dowman to be more effective than these two full internationalists, despite his tender age.Is there a recall clause involved in the Nwaneri loan deal? Despite our failure to bring in a top class left winger and central striker, my main concern this season surrounds the injuries to Timber and Saliba who I consider to be the best in the Premier League in their respective positions.The lack of regular updates on their fitness issues is to me, worrying.
I too have low confidence in Eza and Maedueke. Have more confidence in Eze, but don’t expect consistency, which is vital. And as exciting as Dowman is, a 16 year old is not a back up plan.
Another injury to Saka and pressure could build over lack of creativity in attack.
For me, obvious risks that a club aiming for the elite could have mitigated.
Grandad, regarding your question about Nwaneri, yes there is a recall clause in his loan to BVB, for January 2027.
Grandad both Saliba and Timber have been named in our CL squad, so that hopefully gives some confidence in their future availability.
There is a clause in Nwaneri’s contract.
Thanks guys.
Ken, they’ve also been named in the PL 25-man squad, but can actually only name a total of 22, plus all the under-21s, which obviously includes Lewis-Skelly, Nwaneri & Dowman.