Arsenal Explores Left Wing Reinforcement: Is Rodrygo the Ideal Upgrade?

While the focus on securing a new center forward generates significant discussion, Arsenal`s situation in that position is relatively clear-cut. The club acknowledges the need for a goal-scoring threat and has been actively engaging with the representatives and clubs of Benjamin Sesko and Viktor Gyokores throughout the summer. They are expected to make a decisive move soon to acquire a striker capable of providing the goals that were lacking last season.

The complexities arise when considering the other areas of their attack, specifically the wide positions. Arsenal is also targeting a left-sided attacker, seeking a player who can emulate Bukayo Saka`s superstar impact on the right flank. Just three years ago, Gabriel Martinelli appeared poised to be that player. He was on the verge of a breakthrough season in which he would top Arsenal`s scoring charts, with all 15 of his goals coming in the Premier League. The Brazilian demonstrated sharp finishing instincts, linked up effectively with Gabriel Jesus, and played with remarkable bravery.

That level of performance has been seen less consistently in the two seasons since, yielding a combined total of just 14 Premier League goals and eight assists. Martinelli remains a valuable player, with his contribution extending beyond mere statistics. His underlying metrics are respectable; a combined 0.49 non-penalty expected goals and expected goals assisted (npxG+xAG) is a tally many Premier League wingers would welcome.

However, Arsenal`s ambitions are set high, and achieving top honors may require an exceptional talent on the wing to complement Saka. Can Martinelli provide that X-factor, and what would increased competition for his place mean for him?

Martinelli`s Future at Arsenal

It`s important to note that, according to sources, Arsenal is not actively looking to sell Martinelli. While any player theoretically has a price, even one a wealthy club could meet, there is no internal pressure to offload the winger to finance other transfers.

Certainly, there is market interest in the 24-year-old Brazilian. Bayern Munich is reportedly an admirer, and links to Saudi Arabia have also surfaced. Sources indicate that Al-Nassr has held internal discussions regarding the forward, but the Saudi club has not yet submitted a formal proposal to Arsenal and is not currently preparing a bid.

Crucially, sources close to Martinelli suggest he is not prepared to consider a move to the Pro League at this stage of his career. The forward is focused on securing a spot in the Brazil squad for the 2026 World Cup, and while players from Saudi Arabia have been called up, Martinelli believes his best chance of making Carlo Ancelotti`s squad comes from playing at the highest level in Europe.

From Arsenal`s perspective, Martinelli remains a valuable component of Mikel Arteta`s squad, even if his goal tally has decreased. Only five players have accumulated more Premier League minutes for the Gunners over the past three seasons. His contributions were recognized with a new contract in late 2023, tying him to the club until 2027 with an option for an additional year. At 24, his peak years are likely still ahead.

These qualities naturally make Martinelli attractive to other clubs. However, barring an exceptional offer, Arsenal`s strategy appears to be focused on adding depth and quality to the flanks rather than a direct one-in, one-out swap. This indicates a favorable position for the club in the transfer market.

Amidst Interest, Could Rodrygo Be the Solution?

Martinelli`s Brazil international teammate, Rodrygo, is a prominent name among the options Arsenal is considering to strengthen their wing options. This interest is understandable, particularly given that the 24-year-old seems to have seen his role at Real Madrid potentially diminish following recent squad additions and tactical shifts under Carlo Ancelotti. While there has been no definitive statement from Spain or the team currently on tour, Arsenal would be strong contenders if Rodrygo decided to leave the Santiago Bernabeu.

Arsenal is not the only club interested. Sources indicate that Saudi Arabian side Neom SC is preparing a substantial bid for Rodrygo. As a newly promoted club in the Pro League, Neom is backed by the same organization behind the planned city in the country`s northwest. Their funding comes from the sovereign wealth fund PIF, which has significantly impacted the global transfer market by backing the Pro League`s `Big Four` clubs over the past two years.

It remains unclear how open Rodrygo would be to leaving Europe. However, interest from one of Saudi Arabia`s wealthiest clubs, clearly intending to add star power this season, could significantly inflate the price for other suitors. In a summer where Arsenal is also looking to reinforce defensive areas – with Christian Norgaard, Martin Zubimendi, and Kepa Arrizabalaga reportedly close to joining, and talks ongoing for Valencia center-back Cristhian Mosquera – a high price for Rodrygo could force Arsenal into difficult decisions they might prefer to avoid.

However, in Rodrygo`s case, these might be decisions worth making. The young Brazilian has already demonstrated an ability to deliver in crucial moments, notably scoring key goals against Manchester City in the 2022 Champions League semifinals. From 2022 to 2024, Rodrygo showcased a versatile game: taking numerous shots, progressing the ball effectively, and creating chances for himself and others. His output did dip last season, understandably so. In Real Madrid`s recent Champions League-winning campaigns, he often played a supporting role to Vinicius Junior`s lead. With Kylian Mbappé joining, alongside talents like Jude Bellingham, Arda Güler, and Franco Mastantuono emerging, the competition for attacking roles is extremely high.

Exploring Alternative Wing Targets

Rodrygo and Martinelli share a commonality: their effectiveness can depend on the tactical setup and support from teammates. Part of the reason for Martinelli`s high output in 2022-23, particularly before the World Cup, was Gabriel Jesus drifting to the left flank. This created space and opportunities for Martinelli to make runs into the penalty area. Jesus`s knee injuries and the development of midfielders like Granit Xhaka and subsequently Declan Rice, who often make runs into the box, have changed Martinelli`s role. He has become more of a touchline-hugging winger, primarily tasked with stretching the opposition`s defense wide to create space for Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard on the opposite side.

From an attacking perspective, Arsenal`s play heavily revolves around Saka and Odegaard, and rightly so, as their combined threat is among the most potent in football. When considering potential attacking reinforcements this summer, a key question should be how they fit alongside this established duo. Should a new forward addition primarily be an off-ball threat, positioned to finish chances created from the right? The potential signing of Rodrygo raises interesting questions about tactical adaptation – would he primarily play a lower-touch role similar to what he has done at Real Madrid, or would his talent lead to a shift in Arsenal`s attacking focus?

This makes it challenging to evaluate how other potential targets might perform in Martinelli`s current position. Take Eberechi Eze, whose representatives are understood to have held discussions with Arsenal recently. At first glance, his output from an inside left position appears significantly higher than Arsenal`s No. 11. Eze averages nearly three and a half shots per game with 0.31 xG, compared to Martinelli`s 2.15 shots and 0.29 xG. Eze also creates more chances (two vs. 1.5). While Martinelli`s diligence out of possession is a key strength, Eze also recovers the ball more frequently.

Similarly, Martinelli`s raw output numbers are lower than those of Anthony Gordon and Morgan Rogers, both of whom have been linked with moves to North London. However, is this disparity a result of Martinelli receiving fewer touches? Analyzing each player`s performance per 100 touches offers a different perspective on the Brazilian`s contributions.

Statistical Comparison Per 100 Touches (Premier League)

Adjusting the comparison field to measure performance per 100 touches certainly provides a different perspective on what seemed like a less productive year for Martinelli in terms of raw output. On average, he touched the ball around 43 times per 90 minutes, while Eze registered around 55 and Gordon about 52. Rogers` touch count is closer at 44.5, and his per-touch output isn`t necessarily much higher.

Further adjustments can always be made. When comparing stats per 100 touches, we haven`t accounted for *where* those touches occur; a player like Eze might be required to participate more in deep build-up play before moving into an off-ball threat position on the left. However, if we adjust to touches specifically within the attacking third, Martinelli averages a high expected goal value per 100 touches in that area. Only Eze, with 1.35, performs better, which is unsurprising given he takes more than twice as many shots as the Brazilian.

Ultimately, questions remain. Is Eze`s higher output simply a function of being the primary offensive focal point for a mid-table team, or do his numbers truly reflect a superior talent for getting on the ball and creating scoring opportunities? Is Martinelli touching the ball less frequently because he offers less security in possession and build-up compared to other left wingers? Would Arsenal`s tactical approach change significantly to accommodate a player like Eze or Rodrygo? The latter certainly possesses the potential to be the type of wide player who could propel the Gunners towards the silverware they desire, but would his arrival overshadow Martinelli, help elevate Martinelli`s game, or simply provide a useful third option out wide?

These questions lack obvious answers. Perhaps the clearest takeaway is that Arsenal already possess a highly useful winger to complement Saka. Now, with Martinelli having set a high standard, the challenge is to find another player who can either surpass that benchmark or effectively operate alongside it to strengthen the team`s attacking options.