‘Doesn’t quite cut it’: Why Arsenal’s players are unhappy following the end of the transfer window
Arsenal saw the end of the transfer window pass without them bringing in a new attacker, while they also sanctioned the sale of Gabriel Martinelli.
Over the summer, the Gunners allowed both Martinelli and Leandro Trossard to leave, while Reiss Nelson was also allowed to go for nothing.
With just Christos Tzolis brought in as a replacement, from the outside looking in, it feels like the Gunners are now a bit short in wide areas.
Of course, pursuits of Julian Alvarez, Vinicius Jr and more tried to rectify that issue. But all were unsuccessful.
Now, Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta faces a potential feeling of discontent among his squad.
Arsenal players unhappy with sale of Gabriel Martinelli
Arsenal fans might have plenty of questions about the lack of new signings following Martinelli’s exit.
That is normal and expected but what Arteta won’t have been banking on is his own players feeling confused as well.
However, according to The Independent’s Miguel Delaney, that is just how things are panning out.
“So, what happens to the player who couldn’t ultimately force the move he so badly wanted? Can they just… go on? There’s a fair bit of fall-out here, too, and emotion. The Arsenal squad were a bit put out,” Delaney wrote in his latest newsletter.
“Above all, they of course want those higher-level players that can help them all win. So that aspect is seen as encouraging. On the other side, however, many of the players naturally agree with supporters that they’re a bit short there. Gabriel Martinelli was also a popular teammate, who offered pace. The financial explanation and argument about balancing books doesn’t quite cut it with them, since they all saw the big move for Vinicius Jr.
“Over in Madrid, Alvarez and Diego Simeone now have to come to some kind of rapprochement. There is a tension there. Spanish sources claim that Simeone has been furious with how it’s all played out. That could create further problems, and only mean Alvarez eventually leaving in January anyway. After months of Arsenal trying to convince him, though, there is now said to be “zero chance” of the Argentine moving to England.”
Can Arsenal manage without Gabriel Martinelli?
The financial argument does add up in that the Gunners got £60m – a new record sale – for a player who didn’t have long left on his deal.
However, in terms of being champions, improving and defending your title, it has left them short.
If new signing Tzolis is to get injured, then suddenly Arsenal look so short out wide. Gabriel Jesus has also left, meaning it would be down Noni Madueke or Bukayo Saka to fill the void.
Some may suggest Max Dowman could fill in, but he is a young man making his way in the game.
Arteta will be hoping to get to January with little issues. However, if the Gunners do get some bad injuries, the decision to let Martinelli go could backfire.
