Arsenal Hit the Jackpot with “Sensational” Star Worth More Than Merino and Nico Williams
As the transfer window’s closing date approaches, the activity among Premier League teams varies significantly. While clubs like Chelsea have been extremely active, others, including Arsenal, have taken a more reserved approach.
Arsenal, in particular, hasn’t been the quietest in the league this summer, but their transfer business has been relatively subdued compared to previous years. The club’s moves have not met the high expectations that many had anticipated.
Nevertheless, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has managed to secure the signing of Italian international Riccardo Calafiori.
Additionally, it appears that Spanish midfielder Mikel Merino will also be joining the squad, a transfer that has been in the pipeline for what feels like weeks.
The most intriguing recent development, however, involves another Spaniard, Nico Williams. While Arsenal is rumored to be eyeing several high-profile signings for the left-hand side, there is already a player within the squad whose value surpasses the potential newcomers.
After extensive speculation and numerous updates, Arsenal seems to have finally completed the acquisition of Real Sociedad’s Mikel Merino. The deal was given the “here we go” approval by transfer expert Fabrizio Romano on Thursday, with confirmation from Sky Sports News following on Friday night. The transfer fee is reported to be around £28 million, rising to £33 million with add-ons.
Merino is expected to bring additional strength to Arsenal’s midfield this season. However, he might not be the only European Champion making his way to North London before the transfer window closes.
Despite earlier reports suggesting Nico Williams would stay with Athletic Bilbao, new information indicates that Arsenal might make a last-minute effort to bring him to the Emirates.
According to Miguel Delaney, Chief Football Writer for the Independent, Arsenal is “weighing up” a move for the winger in the final days of the transfer window, even though the player has expressed a preference to remain in Spain.
Should Arsenal succeed in convincing Williams to join Arteta’s squad, they would need to activate his £48 million release clause. Given Williams’ impressive record of 27 goals and assists last season, such a fee could prove to be a wise investment.
However, while both potential signings for the left-hand side would come at a significant cost, it’s worth noting that Arsenal already possesses a player in that position whose value exceeds even these potential additions.
Gabriel Martinelli’s Valuation in 2024
Gabriel Martinelli, currently a standout for Arsenal, has proven to be particularly effective when playing on the left wing.
Despite not having his best season last year, the 23-year-old still managed to make an impact. Over 44 appearances, he scored eight goals and provided five assists, resulting in an average of one goal involvement every 3.38 games.
The previous season was even more impressive for Martinelli. During a year when Arsenal posed their first genuine title challenge in years, Martinelli was electric. This was when the former Ituano player began to show his potential as a special talent, with the raw qualities necessary to develop into a top Premier League winger.
In 46 appearances during that season, Martinelli, who has been described as “sensational” by U23 scout Antonio Mango, scored 15 goals and provided six assists, achieving a goal involvement on average every 2.19 games.
Since joining Arsenal as a teenager in 2019 for £6 million, the Guarulhos-born star has made 175 appearances for the first team. Over this period, he has scored 41 goals, provided 24 assists, and seen his market value soar to €70 million, approximately £59 million, according to Transfermarkt.
| Martinelli’s Arsenal career so far | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Season | Appearances | Goals | Assists | Goal Involvements per Match |
| 2019/20 | 26 | 10 | 4 | 0.53 |
| 2020/21 | 22 | 2 | 2 | 0.18 |
| 2021/22 | 36 | 6 | 7 | 0.36 |
| 2022/23 | 46 | 15 | 6 | 0.45 |
| 2023/24 | 44 | 8 | 5 | 0.29 |
| 2024/25 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0.00 |
| Stats Source: Transfermarkt | ||||
Although this is a significant amount of money, surpassing the potential fees for both Merino and Williams, it’s difficult to argue that it’s not warranted given Martinelli’s development in recent years. At just 23 years old, his continued improvement is likely, which would further increase his value.
In other Arsenal news, David Raya, Trossard Superb But One Player Disappointing in Arsenal Win Over Aston Villa
