Alexandre Lacazette's place in the Arsenal team remains a point of contention. The Frenchman has failed to score in his last 18 matches from open play. A record that stretched back to the 3-0 win over Southampton in December.
Lacazette's starting role, therefore, has been questioned and many Arsenal supporters have suggested that the forward be dropped from the team. However, this may be a decision that is taken out of Mikel Arteta's hands. With images and videos released from Arsenal training, Lacazette was absent and questions over his availability for Saturday have begun to surface.
In his potential absence, the options available to Mikel Arteta include Eddie Nketiah and Gabriel Martinelli as the most natural options. Although there are greater possibilities in the squad too. The Arsenal Way writers have discussed who they feel should be given the chance to shine in the wake of Lacazette's poor form and possible fitness issue.
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Bailey Keogh - Arsenal Fan Brands Writer/Presenter
if Mikel Arteta does have to replace Lacazette in the striker role, then Gabriel Martinelli should be given the opportunity to replace him. The Brazilian is destined for the role and it is now the perfect time to utilises him as a striker.
According to Evening Standard journalist Simon Collings, Martinelli has specifically worked on building his frame and estimates has put on around seven to eight kilograms since moving to England. That is largely down to employing a personal trainer, having gym equipment to use at home, and following a strict diet.
Martinelli’s threat in front of goal is undeniable, but the main concern with him leading the line is his ability to withstand the physical demands of playing in the center-forward role, as center-backs are usually stronger built than full-backs. However, with Martinelli starting to bulk up this will help him lead the line, and hold up the ball against tough-tackling defenders.
The Brazilian already played in a more central forward role earlier this season during the Gunners' 2-0 defeat against Chelsea at the Emirates stadium. However, his lack of impact in that match should not cloud over Arteta’s decision to play him there in the future, as the line-up against Chelsea was very weak due to injuries and the Covid-19 situation. But with Lacazette now injured, it is the perfect time to test Martinelli in this position once again.
Tom Canton - Arsenal Fan Brands Writer/Presenter
It is impossible to tell what Mikel Arteta might end up choosing to do, fingers are crossed that whatever the outcome, all three points are secured. However, from my perspective, should Lacazette be out, although I would personally have dropped him by now, I believe Nicolas Pepe to be a good option.
The Ivorian has returned from the African Cup of Nations a different player according to Arteta. Although, the Spanish manager has been reluctant to call upon Pepe from the start. His introduction against Wolves was pivotal in earning all three points. However, against Aston Villa, his presence nearly cost the Gunners a victory.
Deploying Pepe in the central though however would provide some unpredictability to Arsenal’s front line. Teams have worked out how to nullify the Gunners’ attack and Lacazette has suffered as a result. Pepe’s experience playing at centre-forward for Lille wouldn’t mean entering the role blind, and his finishing has been consistently strong.
In fact, Pepe is arguably one of the club’s best finishers in the team. The goal against Wolves demonstrated this ability. Remove the obstacles of the numerous defenders in his way when out wide and the potential for him to flourish in the middle could be realised against Southampton.
