It’s a huge season for many, from manager Mikel Arteta to players such as Gabriel Martinelli.
Arsenal were narrowly beaten to the Premier League title by Manchester City last season and they are now hoping they are third time lucky after blowing a big lead two seasons ago.
Many of the players at the club have been present for the past two campaigns and you feel they won’t be able to take any more hits if they lose out again.
A large proportion of Arsenal’s XI speaks for itself, but someone like Martinelli might no longer be a starter anymore.
Ian Wright was speaking about how it’s a huge season for the winger and his fellow countryman, Gabriel Jesus – He signed from Manchester City for £45 million (Sky Sports) in 2022.
The duo lost their starting places to Leandro Trossard and Kai Havertz, respectively, last term and Wright is backing them to re-find their form.
But Roy Keane has doubts as to whether they are good enough to fire the Gunners to their first Premier League title in over two decades – Arteta has stated that Jesus has transformed this summer.
The Manchester United legend stated ‘you wouldn’t hang your hat on them’ to deliver ahead of the new campaign, as he told Stick to Football.
Roy Keane doubts Arsenal duo Gabriel Martinelli and Gabriel Jesus
“We do need the bench to be better,” said Wright. “I do like what Manchester City do. Their squad is quality, but it’s smaller.
“The thing with Gabriel Jesus, and the same with Martinelli, Martinelli lost his place to Trossard kind of. Trossard came in and done really well. But Martinelli and Jesus, if they can get the goals we expect them to get and have the seasons. They themselves have said they didn’t have great seasons. If they can get the goals and the consistency that we need, then we will get the goals.”
Keane then asked: “What makes you think they can do it this year, them two who you just mentioned? You wouldn’t hang your hat on them, would you? Why do you think they can do it this year?”
Arsenal’s summer transfer window
It has been fairly quiet, with fans hoping some last-minute deals can be concluded before the window slams shut at the end of the month.
Arsenal signed Riccardo Calafiori to future enhance their defence, but it seems as though they won’t be bringing in another striker.
There have been cries for Arsenal to sign Ivan Toney, but with the window edging closer to its deadline, the Brentford man may have to look elsewhere.
But sources have told HITC when Arsenal want a deal done for Mikel Merino, with the Euro 2024 winner high on the club’s wish list.
