‘I’ve heard’ – Insider claims Arteta could unleash Arsenal player in new position
According to Dean Jones, it is possible that Mikel Arteta, the manager of Arsenal, may use Gabriel Martinelli as a center-forward in the near future.
After Gabriel Jesus got injured, Arteta had to choose Martinelli, Bukayo Saka, and Eddie Nketiah as the front three for Arsenal.
This decision has resulted in great success, which has placed Arsenal at the top of the table.
Nevertheless, Eddie Nketiah may be feeling the pressure now since he has only scored two goals in his last seven league matches. This lack of form from Nketiah has corresponded with a decline in Arsenal’s performance, so it’s not unexpected.
Leandro Trossard is now available for Arteta to choose from, as he started for the first time last weekend before being replaced by Martinelli.
The latter went on to create a chance that resulted in an own-goal by Emiliano Martinez and scored a goal himself at the end of the game. Despite this, Jones thinks that Martinelli and Trossard could still be selected to start together.
Due to Nketiah’s recent difficulties in scoring goals, Jones has suggested on the Chasing Green Arrows YouTube channel that Arteta may consider trying out Martinelli as a center forward.
He said: “I think he’s running out of steam in this team, and I’m starting to wonder if they look at rotating the side now. Is there any possibility – I mean, this is just something I’m putting out there because I’ve heard that it’s not impossible that Arsenal do try this – of them playing Martinelli up top?”
Martinelli has some experience playing in the center forward position, having played there 14 times during his career, as reported by Transfermarkt. However, it’s not his preferred position, and it would be a gamble for Arteta to try him out there.
If Nketiah continues to struggle to score goals, Arteta may feel compelled to make changes to the team until Gabriel Jesus returns from his unfortunate mid-season injury. This could include experimenting with Martinelli as a center forward, even though it involves some risk.
It’s evident that Martinelli is a crucial player for Arsenal, given his 10 goal involvements in the league so far. Charles Watts has stated that Martinelli’s performance in the match against Aston Villa was “vital,” as he contributed to the team’s victory. Therefore, it’s important that Arteta ensures Martinelli gets sufficient game time for the Gunners.
‘I’ve heard’ – Insider claims Arteta could unleash Arsenal player in new position
