Mikel Arteta should try Gabriel Martinelli in a new position for Arsenal after the international break finishes - opinion

Gabriel Matinelli’s Arsenal career isn’t really at a crossroads, but he is in desperate need of a spark to return to his best after a lukewarm 2023-24 campaign.

The Brazilian scored just eight times across 44 appearances in all competitions for the Gunners last season as they finished second in the Premier League, two points behind eventual champions Manchester City.

Martinelli is yet to open his account this season and lost his place in the starting XI to Leandro Trossard after starting the first two games.

With Raheem Sterling also at the club after sealing a season-long loan move from Chelsea on deadline day, there is increased competition for places at the Emirates Stadium.

Martinelli is still just 23 and is clearly a fantastic talent, so there is still enough room for him to continue to improve under Mikel Arteta.

That said, a positional change could be just what he needs to rediscover his mojo ahead of a tricky spell in all competitions for the Gunners.

Arsenal should try out Gabriel Martinelli as a number nine

Kai Havertz is clearly Arsenal’s first-choice centre-forward and has started the season in fine form, notching up two goals and an assist from three games.

The German international also scored 13 Premier League goals last season, which is a creditable tally considering he also played in midfield a handful of times.

However, with games set to come thick and fast after the international break, Martinelli’s versatility could prove to be invaluable for Arsenal.

His direct running and energy could be a thorn in the flesh of opposition defenders, while he has also shown that he can be an emphatic finisher when in full flow.

With Gabriel Jesus struggling with injuries and scoring just four Premier League goals last season, Martinelli could jump ahead of his compatriot for a spot as a centre-forward if Arteta decides to rest Havertz.

As per Transfermarkt, the 23-year-old has recorded nine goals and an assist in 19 games as a centre-forward in his young career so far, a record which makes for good reading.

Martinelli is in desperate need of a spark and Arteta could provide just that by allowing him to lead the line.

Arsenal’s EFL Cup clash against Bolton later this month could be the perfect stage for this experiment and a couple of goals there could help Martinelli find his shooting boots.

Martinelli’s form could be crucial for Arsenal this season

Bukayo Saka has done most of the heavy lifting in terms of attacking output at Arsenal over the past 12 months, so it’s about time the others stepped up this season.

The 23-year-old has the highest ceiling among all their other attackers, so Arsenal are sitting on a bit of a gold mine.

There are suggestions that Martinelli is Arsenal’s next number ten after Emile Smith Rowe’s departure to Fulham, which is another sign of how highly regarded he is at the club.

However, Micah Richards believes Sterling’s pace can move him ahead of Martinelli in the pecking order, so the Brazilian needs to recapture his best form to endear himself to the Gunners faithful once again.

Whether that is as a right-winger or centre-forward, however, remains to be seen.

With Arteta entering his fifth season as Arsenal boss, the pressure of winning a major trophy has increased just a little bit and Martinelli’s form could determine just how much they can compete on all fronts.

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