Micah Richards wants Gabriel Martinelli upgrade at Arsenal, hinting at tactical rethink as the Gunners weigh attacking options ahead of transfer deadline.
Former England defender Micah Richards wants a Gabriel Martinelli upgrade, and Arsenal may be listening to offers for their star. With transfer talks heating up, the Gunners are exploring options to strengthen their left flank.
Richards, speaking on The Rest Is Football podcast, praised Arsenal’s recent acquisition of Swedish striker Viktor Gyokeres from Sporting CP for £64 million. Gyokeres, who netted an astonishing 97 goals in 104 appearances for the Portuguese side, is seen as a solution to Arsenal’s long-standing striker dilemma.
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However, Richards believes the Gunners still lack firepower on the left wing and suggests that Martinelli, despite his talent and 51 appearances last season, should be viewed more as an “impact player” than a guaranteed starter.
“I think Martinelli can definitely do a job but he’s more of an impact player right now, great to have off the bench. If they could get Eze, that would be amazing.”
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Arsenal are reportedly eyeing Crystal Palace’s Eberechi Eze to bolster their left flank. Richards supports the move, calling Eze an “amazing” potential signing. The arrival of another forward could push Martinelli—and possibly Leandro Trossard—toward the exit, with both players linked to summer moves.
Martinelli has attracted interest from Bayern Munich, although the German giants have since signed Luis Diaz from Liverpool. Arteta is said to prefer keeping Martinelli, but if a sale occurs, Arsenal would demand at least £50 million for the Brazilian winger.
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