Former Arsenal captain William Gallas has delivered a stark assessment of Gabriel Martinelli's current standing at the club, stating the Brazilian winger is "just not what he was" and suggesting the Gunners should consider signing new talent for the left flank.
Martinelli's Diminished Role and Performance Drop
Gabriel Martinelli, once a guaranteed starter and a crucial part of Arsenal's attack under Mikel Arteta, has seen his influence wane significantly this season. The 24-year-old has started only nine Premier League games, a sharp contrast to his previous prominence. His goal output has also plummeted, with just one league goal this term compared to the 15 he scored three seasons ago.
While increased competition for places has contributed to his reduced minutes, Gallas believes there is a deeper issue. "I don't know what has happened to Gabriel Martinelli," Gallas remarked in an interview with BoyleSports. "He's just not what he was."
Gallas Identifies Potential Replacements from PSG
The French defender also expressed doubts about Leandro Trossard, labelling the Belgian a "good squad player" but insufficient for Arsenal's ambitions. Instead, Gallas pointed to two Paris Saint-Germain stars as potential upgrades: Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Bradley Barcola.
"Would I prefer Khvicha Kvaratskhelia or Bradley Barcola for Arsenal? Barcola," Gallas stated. He elaborated that with striker Viktor Gyokeres needing service, Arsenal require wingers who can consistently deliver the ball, hinting that the team's style might need adjustment to accommodate new personnel.
Arsenal's Attacking Depth and Transfer Speculation
Arsenal have already been linked with a move for Kvaratskhelia, though the Georgian's recent arrival at PSG and his importance to the French club would make any transfer challenging and expensive. Meanwhile, Arteta boasts a wealth of attacking options, including Gyokeres, Trossard, Eberechi Eze, Noni Madueke, Bukayo Saka, Martin Odegaard, and Kai Havertz.
This surplus has even prompted young talent Ethan Nwaneri to seek a loan move away to gain more playing time. Despite the criticism, Martinelli has remained a valuable asset off the bench, scoring 11 goals in all competitions this season, with six of those coming in the Champions League.
Gallas's comments highlight the intense scrutiny and high expectations at a club like Arsenal, where every position is under constant evaluation. As the summer transfer window approaches, speculation about potential reinforcements will only intensify, especially if key players like Martinelli fail to recapture their best form.
