Arsenal sporting director Andrea Berta wants to replace Gabriel Martinelli with Athletic Club star Nico Williams this summer, following the 2-1 defeat against Manchester City.
Martinelli could be set to leave Arsenal this summer
The Brazilian was brought on as a second-half substitute at the Etihad Stadium, but struggled to make an impact, with Erling Haaland's winning goal coming moments after he pressed Marc Guehi.
It was not the first time the winger has flattered to deceive this season, having also been described as "awful" by YouTuber DT after a string of bad performances heading into early March.
There have even been suggestions the 24-year-old is planning to leave the Emirates Stadium during the summer transfer window, having failed to hold down a consistent place in the starting XI, and Paris Saint-Germain have already made contact about a potential deal.
It appears as though the feeling is mutual, with a report from TEAMtalk stating Berta is looking to push Martinelli out in the summer, to make room in the squad for Athletic Club star Williams, who the sporting director is a huge admirer of.
Spain's Nico Williams celebrates scoring their first goal
There is a £78m release clause in the Spaniard's contract, and the Gunners could partly fund a deal by selling Martinelli, with the Brazil international valued at £50m or more.
The 23-year-old has four goals and three assists to his name in 21 La Liga outings this season, and he shone for Spain en-route to glory in Euro 2024.
Arsenal's mentality questioned by Roy Keane after Man City defeat
Signing players who have experience winning major trophies could be very important this summer, with their mentality being called into question by Roy Keane following the defeat at the Etihad Stadium.
"Earlier in the season, they weren't giving away many goals or conceding too many chances. Now, there were two goals today, two goals last week, two goals in the cup game against Southampton - they have to be critical of themselves.
"I've questioned this group about their mentality and getting a grip of each other. I'd want someone to be really critical because when they analyse the second goal, they were all over the place... it was far too easy."
Williams ticks that box, given his success with Spain, and he has outperformed Martinelli across a range of attacking metrics in the league this season, which offers reason for encouragement.
League statistics Gabriel Martinelli Nico Williams
Goals 1 4
Chances created 10 31
Big chances created 3 5
Successful dribbles per 90 1.7 3.7
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