Arsenal star Gabriel Martinelli refused to listen to Arsenal coaches instructions in training as Mikel Arteta suggests the type of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s punishment for the Brazilian international
There has been a lot of talk about Gabriel Jesus’ future at Arsenal, but perhaps the bigger issue for Mikel Arteta would be the second Brazilian’s declining form, as Gabriel Martinelli extended his futile run in front of goal at a crucial stage for the Gunners.
While the 3-0 win over Bournemouth was Arsenal’s fourth consecutive victory, scoring 13 goals in the process, Martinelli has scored just four times in his last 24 games in all competitions, and has not contributed a goal in his last ten appearances, eight of which have come from the bench.Article continues below video
The 22-year-old has not started a Premier League game since the start of March and has endured a difficult campaign after last season in which he scored 15 goals, with Arsenal desperately missing Martinelli’s power, even though he is the league’s top scorer.
In a title race with Manchester City, where there is little room for error, the Gunners would undoubtedly break through to the title if Martinelli and Jesus approached their level of last season, as the latter has scored just four goals in the Premier League this season.
Martinelli’s age and domestic status make it unlikely that he will be considered for sale in the near future, but his underperforming season has left Arsenal wondering whether they can rely on the Brazilian international as a first-choice midfielder next year.
In the summer, Arteta is likely to prioritise a striker and a backup for Bukaya Sak and although Leandro Trossard has impressed on the left wing in recent weeks, the need for a consistent goalscorer is even more apparent for Arsenal as they face another potential year in which they will just miss out on the Premier League title by a hair’s breadth.
Arteta is looking for a consistent goalscorer, which could leave Martinelli out of a job
Saka is Arsenal’s top scorer this season, but with 16 goals the right winger is only the Premier League’s seventh top scorer, leaving the Gunners without a focal point in front of goal.
Although Kai Havertz, Trossard and Martin Odegaard have stepped up their goalscoring role, strikers Jesus and Eddie Nketiah have combined to score just nine goals this season, further frustrating Martinelli.
It is probably no surprise that the Gunners will consider transfers for players like Benjamin Sesko, Viktor Gyokeres or the Premier League’s second top scorer Alexander Isak in the summer, as Arteta has clearly identified the need for a designated goalscorer.
However, Martinelli’s position of left wing-back is a very competitive one in world football and Arteta has not shied away from making tough decisions on star players, such as replacing Aaron Ramsdale, even though the goalkeeper was named in last season’s PFA Team of the Year.
Martinelli will get the chance to regain his best form, but Arteta will no doubt want to act ruthlessly to avoid showing weakness in future title matches, meaning Arsenal’s wonderkid will have to prove his ability once again or risk being left behind.