Arsenal are looking to make big changes to their squad this summer as they look to bid to finally win one of the major honours next season.
Andrea Berta is working hard in his new role as sporting director to ensure that Arsenal’s squad is well-equipped to win the Premier League in 2025/26.
Kepa Arrizabalaga and Martin Zubimendi are two of the names expected to arrive, but major work is being done to add to their attacking options.
There is one piece of concerning news coming out of London Colney that one of their key forwards could be sold, and it would be a mistake.
Arsenal attacker Gabriel Martinelli celebrates scoring against Real Madrid in the Champions League.
Photo by Image Photo Agency/Getty Images
Mikel Arteta cannot afford to sell Gabriel Martinelli
Mikel Arteta cannot afford to make the mistake of selling Gabriel Martinelli, which could cause him similar issues to last season.
TBR Football reported on Sunday that Martinelli has been contacted by Bayern Munich, and the Brazilian winger is now considering his options.
The Gunners struggled in the last campaign with a lack of squad depth, and that was particularly the case in attack, with the Spanish coach having to be creative due to his limited options.
Injuries to Kai Havertz, Gabriel Martinelli, Gabriel Jesus and Bukayo Saka left the Gunners having to field patched-up attacks, which proved costly in several matches.
Player Games missed
Gabriel Jesus 41
Bukayo Saka 23
Kai Havertz 23
Gabriel Martinelli 4
Ethan Nwaneri 5
Arsenal attackers’ games missed last season (Transfermarkt)
There is also the case that Martinelli and Saka’s injuries came about in the first place due to a lack of suitable backup options anyway.
Should Arsenal be hoping to fight on multiple fronts next term, they need to ensure that they don’t make it a case of one in, one out in attack this summer.
Martinelli could make way for the arrival of his compatriot Rodrygo Goes, who Arsenal want, but the North London club must consider the issues which proved so costly last season.
The 24-year-old has also proved his value in North London by being able to fill several attacking roles, including left-wing, right-wing and centre-forward.
When Thierry Henry hailed Gabriel Martinelli after Real Madrid win
Back in April, Thierry Henry labelled Martinelli as ‘outstanding’ after the Gunners won away at Real Madrid in the Champions League – showing how highly rated he is at Arsenal.
The Arsenal legend hailed both players’ work rate at the Santiago Bernabeu, with both wingers helping out in defensive transitions.
Henry told CBS Sports: “Very proud of him, especially with the way he defended. Bukayo, I’ve praised the back four many times, but you and Martinelli, the way you defend on the wing and the way you come back.
“Forget the penalty, forget the goal – which by the way was outstanding, I know the feeling of scoring there – but it’s what you do off the ball which impresses me the most. It’s just outstanding what you do, not only you, but also Martinelli.”
Leandro Trossard’s injury record means Arsenal cannot sell him either
One of the best traits a player can offer is availability, and that is exactly what makes Leandro Trossard such an important player for the Gunners.
The Belgian international hasn’t missed a game through injury since April 2022, so any temptation to sell him this summer must be avoided by Arteta.
Like Martinelli, the 30-year-old can also play in several different roles, which just gives the Arsenal boss even greater scope to rotate.