Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta could see the best of Gabriel Martinelli once the Brazilian builds an understanding with new signing Viktor Gyökeres.
The Swedish striker joined from Sporting this summer in a highly anticipated move, designed to solve Arsenal’s long-standing need for a reliable centre-forward. However, Gyökeres’ integration has been affected by Bukayo Saka’s injury and Martinelli’s form on the left wing.
Martinelli’s Struggles and the Gyökeres Factor
Last season, Arteta described Martinelli as “really sharp” after a Champions League win over Shakhtar Donetsk. Despite this praise, the 24-year-old failed to reach double figures in goals. This campaign, he has yet to register a single goal or assist, leaving Arteta searching for solutions.
According to The Standard’s Simon Collings, Martinelli previously thrived when Gabriel Jesus drifted wide, creating space for him to cut inside. The hope is that Gyökeres can replicate this dynamic, as he also likes to pull into the left channel. Such movements could reignite Martinelli’s attacking threat.
Collings further suggested that Martinelli could benefit from complementary teammates around him. Declan Rice has excelled as a No. 8, while Eberechi Eze’s creativity could unlock the winger in certain matches. Meanwhile, new left-back Piero Hincapié’s overlapping runs may also provide Martinelli with room to drive inside.
Pressure to Recapture 2022–23 Form
Martinelli was one of Arsenal’s standout performers during the 2022–23 campaign when they came close to lifting the Premier League title. That season, he recorded 15 goals and seven assists across 46 appearances.
Since then, he has struggled to hit similar heights. With Gyökeres brought in to boost Arsenal’s title ambitions, Martinelli must also rediscover his cutting edge. Failure to do so could see him lose his starting place, especially with Eze and Noni Madueke competing for attacking roles.
While his pace continues to trouble defenders, Martinelli needs to improve his end product if he is to remain a central figure in Arteta’s plans.
Micah Richards Hails Declan Rice
Meanwhile, Declan Rice has drawn praise following his standout performances for England. The Arsenal midfielder was instrumental in a 5–0 victory over Serbia in Belgrade, adding two assists to his recent goal against Andorra.
Speaking on The Rest Is Football podcast, Micah Richards hailed Rice as a player who “has everything,” highlighting his exceptional delivery on set-pieces. Richards praised his ability to strike the ball with bend, swerve, and accuracy, calling it “ridiculous” how consistently he delivers quality.
Rice’s box-to-box energy and set-piece mastery have been key for both England and Arsenal. His importance is such that Thomas Tuchel is almost certain to include him in next summer’s World Cup squad. The main question now is who will partner him, with Jude Bellingham, Adam Wharton, and Elliot Anderson all in contention.
For both club and country, Rice’s influence continues to grow — and his dominance in midfield could be crucial to Arsenal’s title hopes and England’s World Cup campaign.
