Arsenal: Missing Gelson Martins doesn’t have to be disastrous

Atletico Madrid have signed Gelson Martins to a six-year contract. Arsenal’s failure to land him, however, doesn’t have to be disastrous.

In a rather considered and controlled spending spree, Arsenal were able to sign five players at four different positions, addressing almost all of the many needs that their squad exhibited last season. A goalkeeper, an experienced centre-half, a reserve right-back, and a defensive midfielder. That is very good going indeed. But if there was one more position that I would have like to have seen them invest in it is out wide.

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With the departures of Theo Walcott, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Alexis Sanchez, the current squad does not really possess a pacy, traditional, direct winger, an individual who is excellent with the ball at their feet, capable of beating a defender in one-on-one situations, whipping crosses into the penalty area and scoring goals. Unfortunately, with only two weeks of the transfer window remaining, that player is still missing.

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One player that had been linked with a move to the Emirates that seemed extremely reasonable was Gelson Martins. The Sporting Lisbon winger voided his contract amid concerns of feeling unsafe after the training ground was attacked late last season, an attack that saw Bas Dost admitted to hospital with a cut to his chin. Therefore, he was available for free, immediately satisfying one of the biggest issues with any possible move for a winger, finance.

But while the rumours continued tentatively for some time, stretching through the World Cup, in which Martins made late cameos for Portugal, it seemed as though Arsenal had either backed off from the deal or recognised that Martins was not financially viable or a positive and wise investment. And now, the saga has come to a close with Atletico Madrid announcing that they have signed Martins to a six-year deal.

Whether it was their decision or their failure, missing out on Martins is frustrating. This is a hugely talented player who filled a direct need and was available for nothing but his wages and agent fee. That seems like a missed opportunity to me. But it doesn’t have to be.

Martins may turn out to be a superstar. If that’s the case, then yes, this it is a shame to see him move to Madrid, not north London. But even if Martins develops into a good player, there are others out there that Arsenal can pursue instead. Martins is not the only player who can solve their wide problems.

That said, they do actually have to go out and sign such a player. It doesn’t have to be this summer. Financial restrictions may deem that difficult. But over the next year or so, Arsenal do need to look to address this issue. Because it is one.

Next: Arsenal: 3 positions that need addressing cheaply

Failing to sign Martins, whether it is choice or not, is a shame. But it doesn’t need to be disastrous.