The title ambition of Arsenal is ruthlessly exposing on the left side. This is making Mikel Arteta hasten the plans to make a blockbuster acquisition of Rafael Leao of AC Milan. There is a dreadful dip in form that Gabriel Martinelli is currently in. His physique seems to be alarming and inconsistent. The Gunners believe the Portuguese, who has been in a phenomenal run during the 2021-22 season, would be the perfect remedy.
Martinelli’s Alarming Dip
The 2025/26 campaign of Gabriel Martinelli has been a drastic departure of his promise that was violent. With Liverpool, the Brazilian had only 15 touches in 70 minutes. He made 0 dribbles, and was outshined by improvised right-back Dominik Szoboszlai. His performance against Wolves was also a disaster. He had four snipe shots, over-passes, a hook in the first half-time after a series of wrong moves. His heavy touches and absence of end-product are a cause of frustration among the fans and rumors of a sale by analysts. Arteta is also being patient when Martinelli defies Arsenal with his technical weaknesses.
Leao: The Left-Wing Savior?
In comes Rafael Leao, the long time admirer of Arteta. He has five goals and an assist in 10 Serie A games. Under Massimiliano Allegri, the 26-year-old is quick and creative, with 76 goals in 272 games in Milan. He seems to surpass the performance of Martinelli. The scouts of Arsenal are foaming at the mouth about his prowess in the duel, and they have a dream of a potentially deadly trio of Bukayo Saka and Viktor Gyoberes. A January offer is looming but Milan is demanding too high.
Arteta’s Bold January Gambit
This endeavor is an indication of unacceptability of mediocrity in Arsenal. The entry of Leao has the potential of bench clearing or offloading of Martinelli to create a balance. When the Emirates prepares Manchester City, the vision of the Arteta is clear: growth or decline. The loyalists want the fire of Leao to start title fantasies.
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