They're still top of both the Premier League and Champions League tables, but Arsenal haven't looked their best in recent weeks.
Now, one of the reasons for that is undoubtedly fatigue, as the Gunners have played some massively intense games over the last month or so.
On top of that, injuries have forced Mikel Arteta to change the makeup of the backline on a game-by-game basis.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta
However, one of the more concerning issues has been the lack of fluidity in attack. While Bukayo Saka has continued to impress, Viktor Gyokeres and Gabriel Martinelli have not, and, if reports are to be believed, Arsenal could be targeting an upgrade on the latter next month.
Arsenal target Martinelli upgrade
Arsenal have produced the best defence in the Premier League over the last few years, but they haven't scored the most goals.
Last year, they scored 17 fewer than Liverpool, and the campaign before that, they ended up with five fewer than Manchester City.
The signing of Gyokeres in the summer was obviously intended to help bridge the gap, but with him struggling to find the back of the net, the North Londoners appear to be looking for left-sided reinforcement.
Merino-Gyokeres-Odegaard-Rice-Lewis-Skelly
At least that is according to a recent report from Caught Offside, which claims Arsenal are still very interested in Kenan Yıldız.
Interestingly, the story has revealed that, alongside London rivals Chelsea, the Gunners are actually 'leading the Premier League interest' and looking to make the most of stalled contract talks between Juventus and the young star.
Interestingly, the report also claims that the North Londoners have been in direct contact with the player's agent, Jorge Mendes.
A potential price is not mentioned, but stories from earlier this year claim that a fee of around £88m might be enough to tempt Juventus into selling.
kenan-yildiz-juventus-serie-a
It would therefore be a costly and complicated transfer to get over the line, but given Yıldız's ability and potential, it's one worth fighting for, especially as he'd be an upgrade on Martinelli.
How Yıldız compares to Martinelli
Yıldız has already shown an ability to play in several positions to a high degree, whether on the right or in central areas.
Juventus' Kenan Yildiz
However, with Bukayo Saka and Noni Madueke on the right and Martin Odegaard and Eberechi Eze competing in the middle, it feels like his natural place in this Arsenal team would also be his primary position: off the left.
In other words, Martinelli would be one of his primary competitors for game time at the Emirates, a competition he'd probably win based on their respective output.
For example, in 52 appearances last year, the 20-year-old scored 12 goals and provided nine assists, which comes out to an average of a goal involvement every 2.47 games.
For his efforts, the Brazilian scored ten goals and provided six assists in 51 appearances, which comes out to a significantly less impressive average of a goal involvement every 3.18 games.
Kenan-Yildiz-Juventus
Things don't get much better for the Guarulhos-born star this season, as while his tally of seven goal involvements in 18 games comes out to an average of one every 2.57 games, he still comes out second best.
In 21 appearances, the Regensburg-born star has provided 12 goal involvements, averaging one every 1.75 games, lending credence to the claim that, in the words of the player himself, he is "considered one of the best talents in Europe."
Yıldız vs Martinelli
Statistics per 90
Non-Penalty Expected G+As
Progressive Passes
Progressive Carries
Shots
Shots on Target
Passing Accuracy
Key Passes
Passes into the Penalty Area
Crosses into the Penalty Area
Shot-Creating Actions
Goal-Creating Actions
Successful Take-Ons
Ball Recoveries
All Stats via FBref for the 25/26 League Season
The former Ituano gem cannot even fall back on his underlying numbers, as per FBref, he comes out second-best in most of them this season, including non-penalty goals plus assists, shot- and goal-creating actions, ball recoveries, successful take-ons, and more, all per 90.
Ultimately, Martinelli is a talented footballer and someone who could still play a role for Arsenal this season, but if the club have the chance to, they should sign Yıldız, as he is a clear upgrade in every way.
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