Opinion: Gabriel Martinelli – Scapegoat or Victim of Arteta’s System?

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·13. August 2025

Opinion: Gabriel Martinelli – Scapegoat or Victim of Arteta’s System?

Gabriel Martinelli has been a recurring name throughout the summer, and more often than not, it has been for the wrong reasons. The Brazilian has been the subject of transfer speculation, with links to Saudi Arabia and several European clubs emerging in recent months. Everything has gone quiet, perhaps because there was never any serious interest to begin with, but many fans were, and still are, open to the idea of seeing him depart.

The winger has been a polarising figure over the last two seasons. More recently, many supporters have begun to label him an easy scapegoat. While it is hard to overlook his continued inconsistency and sub-par performances, some argue he is a victim of circumstance, particularly in the way Mikel Arteta sets up his team.

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Left-side isolation limiting Martinelli

Arsenal’s right flank is far more fluid and dynamic than the left, with players who are technically excellent and have a strong understanding of each other’s roles. Bukayo Saka benefits from that support despite constant rough treatment from defenders. The presence of Martin Ødegaard and an overlapping full-back give him the platform to excel.

By contrast, Martinelli is often left isolated on the left, receiving limited help from Myles Lewis-Skelly, who tends to play conservatively, while Declan Rice’s box-to-box role reduces his ability to link up in attack.

The pre-season game against Athletic Club hinted at a possible tactical shift that could aid Martinelli. The use of a double pivot allowed Riccardo Calafiori to provide more support, and even though the Italian featured only in the first half, the difference was noticeable. The arrival of Viktor Gyökeres could also benefit him, with the Swede’s left-sided bias creating opportunities to rotate positions during games.

Martinelli registered an assist against Athletic Bilbao, which offered encouragement, but his overall performance still fell short. His display was further overshadowed by Noni Madueke, who replaced him at half-time and impressed.

Martinelli (Yu Chun Christopher Wong/Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images)

Time running out for the Brazilian?

A quick comparison with Leandro Trossard shows the Belgian is more efficient on the left in similar circumstances, even if Martinelli contributes more work rate. Supporters have witnessed the steady decline of a player once tipped to surpass Saka, but the current gap between them is vast.

With continued links to Rodrygo and Eberechi Eze, and the arrival of Madueke, Martinelli faces a fight to keep his place. Increased competition may either push him to raise his level or further diminish his role in the team.

Do you think Gabriel Martinelli will up his game in the new campaign, or indeed if Arteta can unlock his potential?

Benjamin Kenneth

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