Arsenal’s harsh tactic might give Mikel Arteta the transfers he must win the lot
Football can be a fickle game, it wasn’t all too long ago that Gabriel Martinelli and Gabriel Jesus were dancing through the streets of north London as Premier League champions.
However, in the lead-up to Arsenal’s top flight opener with Coventry City, the pair, alongside Fabio Vieira, were conspicuously absent from the proceedings. And instead of being relegated to the sidelines, they were axed from the squad entirely.
It’s the harsh reality of modern football – the trio, once central to the Gunners and Mikel Arteta’s plans, are now looking to be moved on so they can fund some more transfers.
Gabriel Jesus and Gabriel Martinelli were both absent from Friday nights squad(Image: Getty )
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Martinelli, for example, was reduced to juggling the ball while the remainder completed their final preparation session, with the beloved Brazil winger evidently heading for the exit door, reports the Mirror.
Martinelli is a genuinely pleasant, endearing character who has been spending considerable time alongside Vieira while the Portugal midfielder – practically a forgotten figure – awaits his next destination.
Jesus has 12 months remaining on his deal and it has been his goal to complete a decade in English football – which would also assist his residency application – while becoming a free agent next summer would create more opportunities for him.
It seems especially cruel on Martinelli but, in reality, there has been widespread acknowledgement since last season concluded that – should the appropriate offer materialise – he could depart.
Inter Milan have courted Martinelli but would find it difficult to match his existing wages and now, despite initial reluctance to relocate to the Saudi Pro League, there is a genuine possibility of Al-Hilal securing his signature.
Jesus has attracted interest from Napoli while Hamburg are pressing to finalise terms for Vieira. Should all three depart, Arsenal might yet conduct further business in the transfer window.
They are keeping tabs on Juventus winger Kenan Yildiz while Arteta admires Julian Alvarez, despite the Atletico Madrid striker appearing unlikely at present.
However, that saga could still develop because the Atletico supporters have turned against Alvarez and they may suddenly find themselves needing to cash in. Watch this space.
Fabio Viera is also looking for a new club(Image: Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)
Meanwhile, why on earth have they failed to secure superior value for Martinelli? If Savinho moves to Tottenham in an £85m transaction, why does Martinelli command less? The £50m valuation simply appears insufficient.
This represents a player whose statistics compare favourably with the likes of Yildiz. Therefore any transaction must genuinely prove worthwhile – rather than merely for appearances’ sake.
Splashing £100m to appease supporters would constitute poor business. Investing it in the correct player would strengthen the squad. Martinelli possesses pace and a threat, but has he genuinely progressed over the last two seasons?
Let’s be frank, supporters have been swift to criticise him, so there’s a degree of revisionism at play here. Additionally, this idea that he’s been left in the dark…One former player showed less sympathy than others.
Julian Alvarez has been hotly linked to a move(Image: Getty Images)
“This is elite sport – every player knows what happens. If you want to improve, win trophies, that’s life.” Where that reasoning crumbles is regarding Myles Lewis-Skelly. But what does receiving an offer genuinely signify?
It could be that his name emerged during discussions with other representatives surrounding the Bruno Guimaraes transfer. If you’re familiar with agents, they’ll constantly attempt to broker deals.
The initial enquiry will be: who will depart to create space – and can they insert themselves and locate a club to secure their fee?
The truth is that Lewis-Skelly featured sparingly last season – until his remarkable metamorphosis during the final stretch. Now selling him would be inconceivable.
Mikel Arteta is still looking for more signings to make in the final week of the window(Image: Getty Images)
However, at some stage, Arsenal’s ownership does wish to stabilise the finances, and that’s simply fiscal management, achieving a balanced squad while being prudent rather than risking breaching the Profit and Sustainability Rules.
Ethan Nwaneri represented another clear contender. Yet he’s impressed so much during pre-season that he’s climbed the hierarchy.
Should he depart, it’ll be temporarily rather than permanently. Ideally, Arsenal desire a quality Premier League destination if they approve a loan.
It’s hardly surprising to see players being associated with Turkey following Leandro Trossard’s transfer to Besiktas. Arsenal sporting director Andrea Berta evidently has solid connections there – and what’s the issue with that?
Arsenal now boast a vast, robust squad. It wouldn’t be a massive shock if they decide not to conduct further business. Ezri Konsa was a fantastic acquisition. A superb defender with a brilliant personality.
However, if Arsenal are in a position to do business, there could still be more deals on the horizon.
