Arsene Wenger, Arsenal legend, expresses frustration with Arteta and vows to have a personal issue with him if a certain £50m player starts against Tottenham next week – It’s not Havertz, Trossard, or Gabriel Jesus.”

When Gabriel Martinelli first appeared as a promising talent at Arsenal, his goal-scoring ability was unmistakable. His precise finishing and instinct for being in advantageous positions led many in the Premier League to believe he was on a path to becoming a top-class striker. His early performances indicated that, with further development, he could emerge as a formidable center-forward for Arsenal. However, as Martinelli’s career has advanced, he has mainly been used as a winger, with mixed results. This has led to discussions about whether Mikel Arteta should reconsider Martinelli’s role and potentially give him a chance as Arsenal’s central striker, especially for high-stakes matches like the upcoming North London Derby against Tottenham Hotspur.

Mikel Arteta, Arsenal’s manager, faces a tough decision as he prepares for the important game against Spurs. Injuries to key players have left the team in a challenging position. With Declan Rice and Mikel Merino, crucial for the left-central midfield (LCM) role, unavailable, there is a significant gap in Arsenal’s midfield. Arteta may opt for Kai Havertz, who, despite a somewhat inconsistent start at Arsenal, has recently shown good form and has the physical presence needed for such a critical game. Although Havertz could fill the LCM gap, it raises the important question: Who will spearhead Arsenal’s attack?

Gabriel Jesus, Arsenal’s primary center-forward, remains uncertain due to injury, and although he might play, he may not be fit to start. This opens the door for Arteta to explore his attacking options. Despite several potential candidates, it is surprising that Martinelli, often seen as a versatile forward, has not been more seriously considered for the striker role. Although he wears the No. 11 shirt typically associated with wingers, Martinelli’s early goal-scoring promise could make him a strong contender for the center-forward position, especially with Jesus sidelined.

Several reasons might explain why Martinelli’s performances on the left wing have not met expectations. One major factor could be the instability of the players around him on that side of the pitch. Frequent changes in midfield and full-back positions may have disrupted Martinelli’s play. Another factor could be Arteta’s tactical directives, which seem to require Martinelli to stay wide, thereby stretching the opposition’s defense instead of positioning himself to score. This tactical adjustment might have limited his direct goal-scoring opportunities, affecting his goal tally. Former Premier League striker Troy Deeney has critiqued Martinelli, suggesting he might focus too much on scoring rather than creating chances for teammates. While this might be seen as a drawback, there is an argument that Martinelli’s goal-scoring drive could be just what Arsenal needs. Instead of suppressing this instinct, Arsenal might benefit from deploying Martinelli as a central striker. His pace and finishing skills could challenge Tottenham’s defense, led by manager Ange Postecoglou. Playing as a No. 9 in a high-profile match could also boost Martinelli’s confidence and potentially reignite his goal-scoring form for the rest of the season.

The idea of an Arsenal attack featuring Leandro Trossard, Gabriel Martinelli, and Bukayo Saka is certainly appealing. This trio, with their mix of creativity, speed, and accuracy, could significantly trouble Tottenham’s defense, particularly in such a crucial match. With Trossard’s intelligent positioning and Saka’s ability to widen the play, Martinelli would likely find himself in excellent positions to capitalize on chances centrally. Given the importance of the North London Derby and the potential impact of such a performance, it seems like an ideal opportunity for Martinelli to demonstrate his capabilities as a central striker.

The crucial question is whether Mikel Arteta will take the risk of making this tactical change. Martinelli’s effectiveness as a leading striker at the highest level is still unproven, but his talent is evident. If Arteta chooses to take this risk, it could mark a new phase for Martinelli at Arsenal. Should he be given this chance to play as Arsenal’s No. 9 in such a significant game, or should Arteta opt for more conventional solutions? Regardless, the North London Derby will be a pivotal moment for both Arsenal and their attacking strategies.