“Drop Martinelli to the bench next season and start this player on the left wing for us”- Mikel Arteta has been SERIOUSLY WARNED to stop using Martinelli and start £47M player on the wing for Arsenal if He really wants to win the premier league title next season- Not Trossard, Not Smith Rowe and not Vierra
Jay Bothroyd, a pundit on Sky Sports’ Saturday Social, recently made a bold suggestion regarding Arsenal’s lineup. He expressed his preference for Gabriel Jesus, typically seen as a forward, to be deployed on the left wing, which would mean dropping Gabriel Martinelli to the bench.
Debating Strikers’ Roles
During the discussion about the best and worst strikers in the Premier League, Bothroyd asserted that he does not view the £45 million signing Jesus as a true striker. According to Bothroyd, Jesus performs better in wide areas rather than as a traditional number nine. He believes that Arsenal would benefit from signing a top-class striker, allowing Jesus to shift to the left wing.
Bothroyd’s Ideal Arsenal Setup
Bothroyd elaborated on his vision for the Arsenal lineup, stating that Jesus’s most productive seasons have been when he played from wide positions. He noted that Jesus doesn’t score enough goals to be considered an elite striker. “He’s not an A-list striker,” Bothroyd said. “When Arsenal first signed Jesus, I said that Arsenal still needed a striker who will score 15-20 Premier League goals a year. If we signed a top number nine, I’d put Jesus on the left and Saka on the right, and Martinelli would go on the bench.”
Ultimate Attack Line
While it might sound controversial to bench Martinelli, who has been a vital part of Arsenal’s current setup, the prospect of adding another high-quality striker is tantalizing. This addition would provide Mikel Arteta with greater flexibility to rotate between Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Jesus, Martinelli, and a new striker, ensuring that each player can rest when needed.
Do Arsenal Need a New Striker?
While Bothroyd’s comments spark an interesting debate, the necessity of a new striker for Arsenal remains uncertain. Arsenal already boast a strong attacking lineup, but to reach elite status, having multiple high-caliber options in every position is crucial. Thus, signing a new top-tier striker could elevate the team’s competitiveness and provide Arteta with even more tactical versatility.