After crashing out of the Champions League on Wednesday night, it looked like Arsenal were set to end the week with a humbling at the hands of Liverpool at half-time on Sunday afternoon.
Fortunately, Mikel Arteta's team talk seemed to do the trick, and his side came out, fought back to parity and ensured the travelling fans at least had something to celebrate.
While a fair few of the Gunners' starters put in a good showing in the second 45, Gabriel Martinelli was the most impressive, and thanks to his goal and general centre-forward play, he was awarded the man of the match award.
However, even though the 23-year-old looked bright, his time in the starting lineup could be coming to an end, as recent reports have linked the club with another Premier League star who'd be a significant upgrade on the Brazilian.
Arsenal's winger search
Before getting to the player in question, it's worth looking at some of the other wide players who have been linked with moves to Arsenal this summer, such as Nico Williams and Rodrygo.
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The former is set to be available for just £48m thanks to a release clause in his contract, and, just like last year, has enjoyed a stellar campaign in which he's scored 11 goals and provided seven assists in 44 games.
Likewise, Rodrygo has been relatively effective for Real Madrid this season, scoring 13 goals and providing ten assists in 50 appearances, although with a reported price tag of £85m, he might be a little out of range if Andrea Berta and Co also plan to invest heavily in a striker.
rodrygo-real-madrid
Moreover, the Gunners might want a Premier League-proven winger to come in and bolster the team, which is where Antoine Semenyo comes in.
According to a recent report from Spain, Arsenal have maintained their interest in the Bournemouth star.
In fact, the report goes a step further, revealing that due to growing problems in the North Londoners' attack, their pursuit of the 25-year-old, who is valued at €50m - £42m - has now gained momentum.
While he might not be the big name some fans are after, Semenyo is a sensational footballer and one Arsenal should be doing all they can to sign, even if his arrival could spell trouble for Martinelli.
How Semenyo compares to Martinelli
Now, one of the really significant advantages of signing Semenyo is that, thanks to him being so strong with both feet, he's able to play in a multitude of positions on both sides of the pitch.
semenyo-bournemouth
However, while this would certainly allow Arteta to rest Bukayo Saka more often, there is no way that the Bournemouth star would replace the Englishman on the right on a permanent basis.
Therefore, to get regular game time, the Ghanaian international would have to start on the left, putting him in direct competition with Martinelli, but how do the pair stack up against one another?
Well, when it comes to the most important metric of all, raw output, it's the Cherries ace who comes out ahead.
For example, in 40 appearances this season, totalling 3382 minutes, he's scored 11 goals and provided seven assists, which comes out to an average of a goal involvement every 2.22 games, or every 187.88 minutes.
AFC Bournemouth's Antoine Semenyo looks on
In contrast, the former Ituano gem has scored ten goals and provided six assists in 49 appearances, totalling 3403 minutes, which comes out to an average of a goal involvement every 3.06 games or every 212.68 minutes.
Unfortunately for the Gunners' ace, the one-sided nature of this comparison only continues when we take a look under the hood at their underlying numbers.
Semenyo vs Martinelli
Statistics
Non-Penalty G+As
Progressive Passes
Progressive Carries
Shots
Shots on Target
Passing Accuracy
Shot-Creating Actions
Goal-Creating Actions
Tackles Won
Successful Take-Ons
Ball Recoveries
Aerial Duels Won
All Stats via FBref for the 24/25 Season
For example, in almost every relevant metric, the "unplayable" 25-year-old, as dubbed by journalist Ed Aarons, comes out top; metrics such as non-penalty goals plus assists, progressive passes, passing accuracy, shot and goal-creating actions, successful take-ons, aerial duels won, tackles won and more, all per 90.
Ultimately, while Martinelli could certainly still be an incredibly valuable squad player next season, it's evident that Semenyo is the superior winger in practically every way. Therefore, Arsenal should do what they can to sign him this summer.
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The prolific marksman could be the difference-maker for Arsenal next season.