I think generally when people say that Martinelli is better than player X they think of 22/23 Martinelli and ignore last season. The question for me is which version we'll see going forward. I'd like to sign an attacker just because I don't want to be in a situation where we're fucked if all three starters aren't at the top of their game. Let them fight for their place.

    QuincyAbeyie Smith Rowe too.

    We need known quantities in the forward positions, and the floor as well as potential ceiling of the position needs to be a tad higher. I think Arteta is going to be ruthless. He knows, we all know what we are up against and how fine the margins are. Martinelli has already basically lost his place to Trossard. He will likely be upgraded if we can afford it.

      I dont think Gabby has lost his place to Tross. I think at the end of last season he did, but that was because Gab had to work his way into his game again. He offers a different threat than Tross does, he has flat out speed that gives an outlet we don't get with Tross. I would bring in someone like Nico to compete with Gab and Saka for a wing spot without dropoff in quality. Tross will be a super sub or a starter-speller. (so to speak). Gab's year was down last season, but he's still very young and he will bounce back. But i would take someone like Nico as competition for the starter spot.

      Trossard is ahead of Martinelli for one reason only. End product. No matter how much speed you have if you're not doing something substantial with the ball, you're doku.

        Is that saying that he has reached his peak and is beginning to plateau?

        Sounds like it's becoming more of a dream with Nico having his heart set on Barca. Even if they can't sign him, I doubt Arteta will get too involved if he knows the player's eyes are elsewhere. I do like the look of Maximilian Beier as a utility forward - gives me some Muller vibes.

        I shall call him Maximum Beer.

        flobaba Martinelli has suffered primarily due to our extreme ball retention and our tinkering on the left side. He's still the same player as when he had more end product in my opinion—just a touch low on confidence and opportunity last season for these reasons.

        He's one of those who gives us purchase in matches that are more difficult territorially. A decision to jettison him would amount to a declaration we're going to continue rarely playing on the transition. Maybe in those terms it's justified but I don't think his talent or potential have truly dropped off.

        Best case scenario is he develops his game.

          Any chance we get Fabian Ruiz out of PSG? Would be perfect as our left sided 8 and might be just what we need to revitalise Martinelli.

            TambourineMan Any chance we get Fabian Ruiz out of PSG? Would be perfect as our left sided 8 and might be just what we need to revitalise Martinelli.

            Wanted him when he was at Napoli, went for cheap as well. Would have been ideal next to Rice.

              Olmo is better than Ruiz for me who's getting on abit as well. 29 innit.

              The more I think about it, would make sense shifting both Vieira and Esr for Olmo

              Olmo is more an attacking player and or wide player isn't he? We need a proper No.8 not an attacking player.

              €60m release clause for Olmo but the guy is very injury prone.

                If Williams is so hung up on Barca, maybe we can take advantage of them needing to sell to afford him and can pivot to this wishlist:
                Calafiori
                Frenkie De Jong
                Xavi Simons