‘Gabriel Martinelli’s Arsenal future in doubt following Jack Grealish claim’
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta is keen to strengthen his forward options this summer while winger Gabriel Martinelli scored just eight Premier League goals last term.
After finishing second in the top flight last season, Arsenal want either Benjamin Sesko or Viktor Gyokeres to arrive and make their front line more clinical.
Gyokeres enjoyed a prolific 2024/25 campaign with Portuguese giants Sporting, notching 54 goals in 52 appearances across all competitions, whereas Sesko had a thoroughly decent season, scoring 21 goals in 45 outings.
Meanwhile, Arsenal are also interested in Rodrygo, demonstrating Arteta’s appetite to bolster his wide options.
Arsenal told Grealish could compete with Martinelli
While the Gunners are keen on signing new attackers this summer, Jack Grealish is set to leave Manchester City.
The England international was omitted from Pep Guardiola’s Club World Cup squad after making just seven Premier League starts last season.
Meanwhile, speaking live on talkSPORT [17 June], former Premier League striker and Arsenal fan Darren Bent said: “I’d have him (Grealish) at Arsenal for sure. But not instead of Martinelli.
“The thing about Martinelli you have to remember is that he blows hot and cold, so Jack will get opportunities to play.
“If Jack wants to get into the Arsenal team and do well, then Martinelli’s going to have to fight tooth and nail to get back in.”
Football Insider verdict
Grealish would be a good option for Arteta
While Arsenal do not hold a concrete interest in Grealish, the former Aston Villa man could certainly be an asset for the Gunners as outlined by Bent.
| Jack Grealish stats | Premier League 2024/25 |
| Appearances | 20 |
| Goals | 1 |
| Assists | 1 |
When Grealish is at his dynamic best, he is a tough player for defenders to deal with, and he played a key role as Man City won the treble in 2022/23.
Furthermore, fellow winger Martinelli has proven he is inconsistent, while the England international could also provide competition for Martin Odegaard in a central role.
However, Arsenal should not set their sights on any potential move for Grealish before acquiring an out-and-out forward such as Sesko or Gyokeres.
The North Londoners lack a player who can post the sort of attacking numbers enjoyed by either Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah or Man City’s Erling Haaland, which is why they have been beaten to the Premier League title by both North West clubs in recent seasons.