- Gabriel Martinelli is a central striker who trains in Brazil
- This season, Arsenal has struggled to find a reliable ‘number 9’
- Martinelli scored previously when it was used at
The Arsenal striker Gabriel Martinelli will be asked to play a new role when reporting to Brazil for international duty. This could prove beneficial to Arsenal upon his return.
In recent years, Martinelli became a regular choice for the left wing when he was fit. In training video from Brazil, the 22-year old is seen lining up in a striker position during a match.
Martinelli played sparingly for Arsenal as a “number nine”, scoring twice in the Premier League against Everton back in March. Unai Eery had asked Martinelli to play in his very first days with the club, when the player was just 18 years old. He showed great potential by scoring four goals in two Carabao Cup games against Nottingham Forest and Liverpool and three in Europa League victories over Standard Liege.
Even though Mikel Arteta, Edu and others have polished up the team’s front line, Arsenal still lacks a true goalscorer – despite their ability to score goals in a variety of ways as they did last year.
Gabriel Jesus, who has a hamstring problem and faces another limited season after knee problems last year is currently out. Eddie Nketiah scored his first goals since August in a match against Sheffield United. Leandro trossard played at the right back position in both Burnley’s and Sevilla’s games prior to the break. He scored one goal each time.
Trossard insists he does not have a favorite position. However, his approach to getting into the penalty area is conducive to securing goals.
Mikel Arteta does not have a reliable striker to rely upon / Marc Atkins/GettyImages
I don’t mind playing any of the positions in top. The Belgian admitted that he didn’t have an answer to the question of whether he should play as a left winger or a false nine.
Martinelli’s versatility as a striker is a great option for the future, at least on a short term basis.
Ivan Toney, a Brentford forward who has been reported to be interested by the Gunners , is expected to return in January. Brentford have informed the 27-year old that he wants to leave. He is currently on suspension for breaking betting rules, but will return soon. Arsenal, as well as Chelsea, have held discussions with Toney and his camp.
Bees also willing to ask for more than PS80m from their star player. This has surprised him, as he’s about to finish the last 18 months of contract.
Karim Konate, a 19-year old striker who scored two goals in a Red Bull Salzburg match earlier this month is also a player the Gunners have their eye on.
