Arsenal could replace Martinelli by signing £146m-rated star

As final season ended and Arsenal sat two factors behind Manchester Metropolis, they entered the summer season switch window realizing they most likely did not want a complete lot with a purpose to go one higher subsequent time.

Enchancment was crucial, although. They sought that within the type of Italian defender Riccardo Calafiori – somebody who had shone at Euro 2024 – and Spain’s Mikel Merino, a person who lifted the trophy on the finish of the competitors.

Raheem Sterling additionally signed late within the day, arriving from Chelsea on mortgage within the dying embers of deadline day.

Whereas Calafiori and Merino have earned loads of sport time since arriving, Sterling has not, regardless of the issues Mikel Arteta has confronted on the flanks.

Arsenal’s points out large

In years passed by the large areas of this Arsenal crew have been a number of the most enjoyable. Within the 2022/23 marketing campaign, Gabriel Martinelli and Bukayo Saka have been livewires in assault and it was very troublesome for a lot of defences to include them.

Saka ended that year with 15 goals and 11 assists to his identify whereas Martinelli ended it with the identical variety of targets and 6 assists.

Nonetheless, whereas Saka has kicked on since that second, scoring 17 the next season, the Brazilian’s fall-off has been regarding.

In 2023/24, the bargain £6m signing solely found the back of the net eight times in all competitions and went by way of giant patches with out contributing a lot within the remaining third.

It has been an analogous story this time round for the 23-year-old whose lack of innovative has left Arteta visibly pissed off at occasions.

He has missed a heap of golden alternatives, notably firing straight at Kepa Arrizabalaga when the rating was nonetheless 0-0 within the defeat to Bournemouth and spurning an analogous alternative in opposition to Chelsea final outing.

Martinelli did ultimately rating an important purpose at Stamford Bridge however that was just his third in 11 Premier League outings.

So, enchancment is required, particularly on that left flank however as we have discovered, Saka’s health has waned this time period and he can’t be anticipated to play a complete season on the proper once more with out a lot relaxation.

Arsenal’s answer on the wing

The straightforward factor to do can be signal extra depth and high quality within the January switch window. Over the summer season they have been linked with a move for Spain’s Nico Williams however he confirmed little or no will to pressure by way of a transfer from his boyhood membership Athletic Bilbao.

It is possible any transfer for him must wait till the summer season. However what about Actual Madrid’s Rodrygo?

Martinelli’s fellow Brazilian was touted with a move to the Gunners a number of months in the past as he fell into the shadow of Vinicius Jr and Kylian Mbappe on the Bernabeu.

Since these summer season hyperlinks, the 23-year-old has performed 11 occasions in LaLiga and scored on three occasions, matching Martinelli’s league tally.

Transfer Focus

Mega cash offers, controversial strikes and big-name flops. That is the house of switch information and opinion throughout Soccer FanCast.

Rodrygo initially started the season as a starter on the proper of Carlo Ancelotti’s assault however during the last month has discovered himself as extra of a substitute as a result of a change in formation which has seen Vinicius and Mbappe act as a two-prong assault.

So, it is moderately possible that Rodrygo could wrestle for normal begins over the course of the remainder of the season. Step ahead, Arsenal, who may see the door open on a mesmerising Martinelli rival or alternative.

One drawback is his possible valuation. CIES Football Observatory recommend it could take one thing within the area of £146m to prise him away from the Spanish capital, though it is possible a deal could possibly be brokered at a lower cost.

Although, as information analyst Ben Mattinson put it, he could be an “Alexis [Sanchez] 2.0 signing”. The Chilean was caught within the shadow of the likes of Neymar and Lionel Messi at Barcelona earlier than shifting to the Gunners the place he grew to become the primary man, ultimately leaving north London having scored 80 times in 166 matches.

So, why would Rodrygo be such a charming signing?

Effectively, as you possibly can see, he betters Martinelli in a heap of statistics, however most notably he comes out on prime in probability creation.

That is been fairly the issue for Arteta’s aspect in 2024/25 up to now, with Arsenal sitting seventh within the Premier League this season for goal-creating actions (30) which is a mean of two.73 per 90. In relation to shot-creating actions (268), they are down in tenth.

As such, the actual fact Rodrygo is producing much better numbers than Martinelli in these two areas ought to enhance the squad considerably.

Whereas each produce a powerful variety of progressive carries and take-ons per 90 minutes, Rodrygo does so whereas proving much more decisive within the remaining third. On that proof, he’d be a significantly good signing if Arsenal revived their curiosity over the winter.

Associated

Arsenal target winter move for £90m Trossard & Martinelli upgrade

Arsenal are taking a look at methods to strengthen their assault over the winter.