Arsenal: Gabriel Martinelli, Everton demonstrate the Edu effect

Arsenal’s addition of Gabriel Martinelli and potential signing of Everton Soares are a clear demonstration of the Edu effect as the new technical director makes his mark in north London.

Gabriel Martinelli took just over an hour to exhibit his ability in his Arsenal debut. In the 61st minute, his strike finished off the 3-0 victory over the Colorado Rapids in the first pre-season friendly of the summer’s United States tour.

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As the first acquisition of the summer transfer window, it feels an optimistic circumstance, albeit only occurring in the preseason. Only 18 years of age, Martinelli’s ability seems boundless on the wing and could very well transition inside in later years. He seems like a bright acquisition.

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Meanwhile, Everton Soares shone brilliantly for the Copa American winning Brazil national team. At just 23 years old, his three goals and one assist were an unexpected and greatly appreciated boost for Brazil after losing Neymar Jr. to an ankle injury just prior to the competition. Reports suggest that the Gremio youngster has parlayed his performances into a transfer to Arsenal, with the medical scheduled to secure the player in a £36 million deal. His pace, creativity, expression, scoring and vision make this not only a no brainer, but a fantastic sleeper transfer of this window.

A position that proved inconsistent for attacking and creative football, the wide roles have now been given a jolt thanks to the two Brazilians brought in this summer. Youth, confidence, passion and skill will all make an equally tremendous impact as Arsenal try to overcome last year’s fifth-place finish. And this leads to a very obvious conclusion: The former Brazilian national team general coordinator and Arsenal midfielder Edu Gaspar has spent little time in influencing the club he now sits as Technical Director of.

Both wingers, being young and Brazilian, were surely first scouted and targetted by Edu and later enticed by the chance to continue to work with someone familiar with them personally, professionally, as well as culturally. As I first wrote when his name was mentioned months ago, and further detailed after his addition to Arsenal was confirmed, Edu could be a brilliant hire, one which will provide dividends which are equally as brilliant. And the early signs are positive: Edu has brought two youthful, brilliant and creative talents to aid Unai Emery’s Arsenal squad. And the window is not over yet by a long shot.

Securing the backline is still key for this summer transfer window. While the return of Calum Chambers from his Fulham loan, alongside Rob Holding and Hector Bellerin from injury, will be of great aid to the unreliable back three or four of last year, more is still necessary. Kieran Tierney or William Saliba would prove invaluable additions. At least one defensive piece is necessary for Edu this summer.

Meanwhile, with width, youth, pace and depth added to the wing positions, Emery’s choices up the pitch become increasingly diverse. He could play Emile Smith Rowe in Aaron Ramsey’s old position, providing sharp attacking passes and runs, offensive ability, pace, tenacity and youthful, homegrown spirit. Bukayo Saka, with his own brand of creativity and scoring, may have a role to play in the first team’s chances this coming campaign as well. The two Brazilian wingers, Everton and Martinelli, could play either side of Alexandre Lacazette or Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang in a central striking position or could provide depth and playmaking on the right side of Lacazette as the central striker with Aubameyang on his left. Integrating all of Arsenal’s talent into a deep and dynamic team is of the utmost importance for Emery. And with these moves, that is now a more testing problem, which is no bad thing.

The best managers create a team out of a club. Pep Guardiola builds depth and utilizes the veterans and the youth in equal capacity in Manchester. This is the means by which long, extended eras come to exist. Emery has certainly demonstrated his ability to win throughout European football, from Spain to France and now England. But can he now demonstrate his ability to build a deep and relentless team from top to bottom? That question will be of the utmost importance to answer. And whatever the outcome, it won’t be for lack of ambition by any of North London’s three new Brazilians Gunners.