Arsenal Could Brutally Axe Martinelli by Launching Move for “Clinical” £70m Sensation
Amid the various challenges that Arsenal have faced in the opening months of the 2024/25 campaign, there is one intriguing aspect that stands out and deserves closer examination.
Certainly, Gunners supporters are likely frustrated by the three red cards that have prevented Mikel Arteta’s team from building the consistency needed to lead the Premier League after eight matches.
However, Arsenal’s problems are more complex than just discipline. Despite the setbacks, they remain within reach of the title race. A win over league leaders Liverpool at the Emirates next weekend would reduce the gap to just one point. The difference is hardly insurmountable.
The root of the issue lies in wastefulness. Last season, Kai Havertz missed more clear-cut chances than any of his Arsenal teammates (ten), but he was still only joint-tenth in the Premier League overall, indicating that Arsenal was still generally clinical in front of goal.
This season, however, the club have squandered more scoring opportunities than any other team in the division.
| Premier League 24/25: Big Chances Missed | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Rank | Club | Goals Scored | Big Chances Missed |
| 1. | Arsenal | 15 | 20 |
| 2. | Tottenham | 18 | 17 |
| 2= | Man United | 7 | 17 |
| 4. | Liverpool | 15 | 16 |
| 5. | Fulham | 11 | 15 |
| 5= | Chelsea | 17 | 15 |
| Stats Source Statmuse | |||
Manchester City, with significant contributions from Erling Haaland, have only squandered ten major opportunities while netting 19 goals, leaving opposing goalkeepers helpless. This efficiency sets them apart and is a key reason why they are likely to secure their fourth consecutive title.
In contrast, Arsenal struggled to impress against Bournemouth, and despite several issues, the disappointment among fans was amplified by another crucial miss from Gabriel Martinelli.
Gabriel Martinelli’s Challenges Persist
In 2022, former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp described Gabriel Martinelli as “a talent of the century.” While this was high praise, the Brazilian winger has shown the potential to develop into one of the Premier League’s top players since joining Arsenal from Ituano, a club in Brazil’s second tier, for a modest £6 million fee in 2019.
At just 23, Martinelli has made 185 appearances for Arsenal, scoring 43 goals and providing 26 assists. However, last season, he struggled to match his personal statistics to the success of his team, and this inconsistency seems to be continuing in the current campaign.
Arsenal’s start to the season has been less smooth than manager Mikel Arteta would have liked, with their recent defeat against Bournemouth giving Liverpool and Manchester City an early advantage in the Premier League title race.
While the loss was a team effort, Martinelli faced criticism for missing a key opportunity to put Arsenal ahead in the first half. Journalist Connor Humm noted that Arteta was visibly frustrated with the missed chance, even referencing it twice in his post-match interview.
Bukayo Saka, who missed the match, has taken on more of a playmaking role this season and isn’t expected to be a 20-goal-per-season striker. Martinelli, known for his speed, has been less influential creatively in recent years, though he typically finds good positions to take shots on goal.
Unfortunately, Martinelli has already missed four significant chances in the Premier League this season, managing just two goals. On average, he hits the target only once every two matches.
With this in mind, more is expected from Martinelli. If he doesn’t improve, Arteta and Arsenal’s technical director, Edu, may consider bringing in fresh talent in 2025.
Arsenal Offered PSG Forward
Last week, transfer insider Graeme Bailey reported that Arsenal have been offered the opportunity to sign Paris Saint-Germain forward Randal Kolo Muani. With Mikel Arteta’s side currently in need of a new striker, this offer could be significant for the club.
Kolo Muani, who is versatile across the attacking line, made the switch to the Ligue 1 champions from Eintracht Frankfurt in September 2023 for a fee of £76.4 million. It is suggested that both the player and his manager, Luis Enrique, are open to a potential move to the Premier League.
Valued at £70 million, the French forward appears to be an ideal fit for Arsenal’s playing style. His arrival would provide competition for Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus in the centre-forward role, while his athleticism could make him equally effective as a winger.
How Kolo Muani Could Benefit Arsenal
Kolo Muani possesses impressive speed. According to FBref, the 25-year-old ranks in the top 6% of forwards in Europe’s top five leagues over the past year for successful take-ons, and in the top 17% for shot-creating actions per 90 minutes. These statistics highlight the dynamic abilities he would contribute to North London.
Arsenal’s counter-attacking brand of football is perfect for the Les Bleus star’s own style, with former Eintracht and Bayern Munich boss Felix Magath once saying: “He’s not only a strong dribbler, but he’s very clinical in the final third. I love his mentality; he’s always thinking about the team. That’s obvious when you look at how many assists he’s got this season.”
Kolo Muani has only started twice in Ligue 1 this season, indicating that he is not a preferred choice under Luis Enrique. Despite this, he has managed to score two goals and remains confident in his ability to succeed in the Premier League, potentially with Arsenal.
Last season, Kolo Muani struggled at Paris Saint-Germain, scoring just nine goals and providing six assists across all competitions. However, his impressive form in Germany the previous year, where he recorded 23 goals and 17 assists, showcases the level of performance Arsenal could benefit from.
This level of output contrasts with Gabriel Martinelli’s performances at Arsenal, as Martinelli has not delivered the same consistency despite regular starting opportunities. Additionally, while Kolo Muani has only netted eight goals in Ligue 1 since joining PSG, he has missed just eight big chances in 15 starts. A closer look at these statistics provides a clearer picture of his time in Paris.
Martinelli has been an important player for the Gunners over the past five years; however, his performances have not consistently aligned with Arteta’s vision. With both Raheem Sterling and Leandro Trossard vying for regular starting positions, it may be time for Arsenal to consider moving on from him.
Kolo Muani possesses the potential to thrive in the Premier League, and if the opportunity arises, he should be a target for the club.
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