Football Today
·8 February 2025
Arsenal refused to bring ‘sensational’ £34m star back in January, he has no future under Arteta – opinion
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·8 February 2025
Arsenal have had a frustrating season with injuries. Their situation has worsened following the Carabao Cup exit against Newcastle United this week.
The club already had Gabriel Jesus and Bukayo Saka on the sidelines. It has now been confirmed that Gabriel Martinelli could be out for a month.
Arsenal did not spend during the recent transfer window despite constant speculation, and manager Mikel Arteta now needs to cope with a weakened attack.
The Gunners had a brief window to recall Fabio Vieira from his Porto loan in January, but the club decided against it, as per The Athletic’s James McNicholas.
In our view, Vieira may have played his final game for the Gunners ahead of a summer exit.
Arsenal have been drastically weakened on the right wing due to Saka’s setback. The Gunners graduate was a revelation before his hamstring injury with 22 goal contributions this term.
Gabriel Jesus was the best alternative for Saka, but the Brazilian picked up a serious knee injury against Manchester United in the FA Cup. He may not return until the end of the year.
With Martinelli’s latest setback, Arteta may have to largely rely on Ethan Nwaneri on the right flank, considering Raheem Sterling has looked out of depth since his loan move.
Vieira could have been recalled to provide cover, but the club’s decision to ignore the break clause suggests he has no future at Arsenal. He may have played his last game.
The 24-year-old, described as ‘sensational‘ by Jorginho, has failed to fully realise his potential, and the Gunners could cut their losses on the £34 million signing this summer.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com