'It depends': Gabriel Martinelli shares honest thoughts on Arsenal buying a striker this summer

Arsenal star Gabriel Martinelli has now shared his honest thoughts on the club recruiting a new striker this coming summer.

Martinelli perhaps didn’t enjoy the club season he may have hoped for in 2023/24, ending the campaign in a backup role.

The Brazilian did start in the final game of the season against Everton, but only because Bukayo Saka was suffering with an injury.

Leandro Trossard took Martinelli’s spot on the left, and deservedly kept his position thereafter.

Of course, given his rich talent and potential, such a role won’t be satisfactory for Martinelli next season, who was not so long ago considered one of Mikel Arteta’s key players.

And with Arsenal consistently linked with a buying a new striker or forward this summer, Martinelli has now shared his honest thoughts on the situation.

Buying a striker like Benjamin Sesko, who now won’t be joining the Gunners, may not affect Martinelli at left-wing directly, but the added competition could still see reduced minutes for the Brazilian should Gabriel Jesus be pushed out wide. 

Gabriel Martinelli welcomes the competition of Arsenal signing another striker

Speaking in an interview with AS before the start of Copa America, Martinelli was specifically asked about the possibility of either Victor Osimhen, Ivan Toney or Dusan Vlahovic signing – and how he’d deal with the competition.

Martinelli replied: “The people who play for Arsenal, one of the best teams in the world, are very good, very good. 

“The club has to have the best players to have a chance of being champions.

“We have an outstanding team, with many players of incredible quality. Who defines the issue of signings is Edu Gaspar and Mikel Arteta. It depends on them.

“The fans are happy when quality players come and improve the team. That issue is not our concern. We have to work on the field and leave that part of the signings to them.”

A diplomatic answer, but there’s no suggestion that Martinelli would loath the arrival of another forward at Arsenal, rather it could help him kick on even more. 

Of course, the Copa America will be an excellent opportunity for Martinelli to gain momentum this summer, ready to duel with Trossard once again.

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