The Gunners are preparing for a tough title race in the second half of the campaign.
As the clamour for Arsenal to secure a new striker in the January transfer window intensifies, it’s crucial not to overlook the team’s dire need for a dynamic winger. The Gunners have been actively seeking a wide player for the past 18 months, with failed attempts to secure the services of Raphinha and Pedro Neto.
While Arsenal did manage to sign Leandro Trossard for £26 million from Brighton, the need for a traditional winger persists, and the consequences are becoming evident. Despite the impressive performances of Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli over the last 18 months, both players are currently grappling with a dip in form.
The recent goal against Fulham, where Saka and Martinelli combined effectively, may have momentarily masked their struggles. However, delving deeper reveals concerning statistics. Saka’s goal in that match marked his first in six appearances, while Martinelli has only found the net twice in his last 18 Premier League games, a stark contrast to his 15 goals in 36 appearances the previous season.
Particularly alarming was Martinelli’s failure to attempt a single take-on in the recent defeat to Fulham. For a player known for his ability to run at defenders, this statistic underscores a worrying trend. While rotating the wingers seems like a logical solution, the lack of depth hinders this approach.
Trossard is not the answer
Reiss Nelson, although showing promise off the bench, has not started a league game since July 2020. Emile Smith Rowe, crucial in the early days of Arteta’s tenure, has been plagued by injuries and remained an unused substitute in the last match.
While Trossard is a viable option, his playing style differs significantly from that of Martinelli and Saka. While bringing control to the game, he lacks the pace and drive to exploit wide spaces. Furthermore, his best performances for Arsenal have come when deployed as a false nine.
Undoubtedly, Arsenal needs a new No.9, especially after a winless streak in the last three games. However, the shortage of quality options on the wings is equally pressing. Ideally, the club would secure a player capable of covering both roles, allowing tactical flexibility.
The financial constraints and the need to adhere to transfer rules complicate Arsenal’s situation in the January market. To make any significant moves, the club must first offload players, making someone like Reiss Nelson a potential key departure to facilitate market entry.
As Arsenal navigates these challenges, Arteta must work with the current squad, placing hope in the resurgence of Martinelli and Saka to reclaim their best form. The success of Arsenal’s title bid could hinge on the revitalization of their wingers and strategic moves in the challenging January transfer market.
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