One thing that has become apparent throughout Mikel Arteta’s time as Arsenal’s head coach and manager is the lack of fear when it comes to making tough calls in his squad. From deciding to send William Saliba on loan, moving on Mesut Ozil and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and most recently Aaron Ramsdale’s demotion to the bench in favour of loanee David Raya.
There are not expected to be any surprises when it comes to the Spanish goalkeeper’s loan being made permanentfootball.london understands meaning a fan favourite in Ramsdale could be following a growing list of appreciated stars out the door. It begs the question who could be next and which unsuspecting player might find their place under considerable scrutiny.
Gabriel Martinelli had a difficult campaign despite it being Arteta’s strongest to date. Injuries and the form of Leandro Trossard saw minutes reduced to less than an hour per game on average across his 35 league appearances.
From 20 goal contributions in the 2022/23 season, this fell to half that amount in the following campaign. Despite Trossard getting even fewer minutes than his Brazilian teammate, he returned 13 goal contributions and scored in some massive games to secure big points for the side.
Martinelli appears to be aware of this too. In an interview with AS he was asked about whether Arsenal fans would see his best next season.
“I’m going to work hard to make it happen, I’m going to do my best to get to Arsenal in the best condition possible,” he said. “I hope it will be a year of many joys for Arsenal and for me. I hope to help my team with goals, assists, with good performances.
“I’m certainly going to do my best, I’m going to prepare a lot because it’s going to be a long season again. And, God willing, it will be a very victorious year for Arsenal and also for Brazil.”
It seemed utterly impossible that Martinelli could leave the club just a year ago, but based on Arteta’s track record and Martinelli’s dip in output nothing should be ruled out. There have not been any notable suitors emerging so far, not known interest in the winger but should he continue to miss out on regular starts it should be expected that they will come forward.
To speculate on how much the winger could get for Arsenal is also difficult. £100million-plus valuations were being thrown around by supporters but at one time Emile Smith Rowe was considered a priceless piece of the squad but fast-forward to 2024 and the England international is being spoken about only as a £30million-plus surplus talent.
Arsenal are working within Profit and Sustainability Regulations and have scope to invest this summer. A big sale could allow for even more spending but there is plenty of surplus talent well ahead of Martinelli on the list of players who could earn the club a significant sum.
But never discount the chance for a shock under Arteta as we have learned time and time again under the Spaniard. Arsenal fans will however be hoping the surprises come in the form of signings though rather than outgoings.
