3 ways that Arsenal can replace Gabriel Martinelli

Allow me to clear one important thing up before we jump into this article. We are talking about replacing Gabriel Martinelli the player, not the person. His loyalty, determination to rise through the ranks and genuine love for Arsenal are much harder to replace.

All that being said, Arsenal are probably going to lose Martinelli this summer. Where he goes remains up in the air, but it looks like he is most likely to be playing in the Saudi Pro League this season. With that in mind, how do Arsenal go about replacing him?

He might not be a sure starter at the Emirates Stadium, but he would have still picked up a lot of minutes this season. Here are three ways that Arsenal can replace Martinelli if he leaves this summer.

Three ways that Arsenal can replace Gabriel Martinelli

1. Sign Antonio Nusa from RB Leipzig

Arsenal already signed a right-footed left winger in Christos Tzolis, but there'd be little harm in adding a second.

On the market, Antonio Nusa is the most realistic and affordable option. Earlier this summer, RB Leipzig valued him at €60m (£51m), a price that is coincidentally similar to what Arsenal can expect to receive for Gabriel Martinelli.

Nusa is just 21 years old, and he can play on either side of the attack. He is more than capable in tight spaces, and he has some pretty impressive speed on the ball. In some ways, he is similar to Martinelli, but with a much higher ceiling.

As if by some twist of fate, Nusa played for Tzolis' former club, Club Brugge. However, there was no overlap between the two. Tzolis joined in the summer that Nusa left.

2. Sign Iliman Ndiaye from Everton

Admittedly, this one is far less likely given his worth to Everton, but if Arsenal value Premier League experience, then Ndiaye is their best option.

Ndiaye is tied down to a long-term contract, with the Toffees even contemplating extending it. Indeed, Ndiaye has no reason to leave Merseyside, but if Arsenal can table a sizeable enough offer to convinve all parties, who says no?

With his low centre of gravity and electrifying pace on the wing, he offers the versatility that we all know Mikel Arteta values in his players. Plus, Arteta has a very good relationship with David Moyes.

This one is more based on my feelings of what Arsenal need than any reputable news.

3. Give Eberechi Eze more minutes

One player whom Arsenal are waiting to see more from is Eberechi Eze. While it isn't his strongest position, Eze has played on the left before, and it could be his best shot of getting into the lineup (when Tzolis is rotated, of course).

While it won't be a popular move to neglect any transfers in favour of a player already at the club, it might be the most strategic move Arsenal can make. After all, Eze is clearly good enough, he just needs that run of minutes to get his confidence back.

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