Arsenal will be in desperate need of added firepower come the end of the season, but thankfully Mikel Arteta and technical director Edu already have an upcoming plan to fill the gaps eventually left by Alexandre Lacazette and Eddie Nketiah.
Both strikers are set to follow Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang out the exit door once their contracts expire in June, potentially leaving Folarin Balogun as the only remaining centre-forward in the first-team squad.
football.london understands Manchester City's Gabriel Jesus and AS Roma's Tammy Abraham are among players on the Gunners' shortlist, while hot prospect Darwin Nunez is also thought to be a name under consideration.
READ MORE: Gabriel Martinelli prepares for fresh Arsenal role as Mikel Arteta drops attacking solution hint
There's no doubt that one or even two new strikers will have to arrive over the coming months. Arsenal could soon find themselves back in European competition and new Premier League substitution rules only reiterate the importance of having strength in depth next season.
However, Gabriel Martinelli continues to show why he can be an additional striker option should Arteta require extra support in the position moving forward. Speaking exclusively to GOAL, Arsenal goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo singled out the Brazilian as one of the best finishes in training.
The 20-year-old winger has trained in more of a central role over the past few months, football.london understands, and Okonkwo's claim backs up the idea of him operating as a striker in the future. As well as possessing lightning-quick pace and never-ending energy, Martinelli has often showcased his composure in front of goal while under pressure, which seems to have improved this season.
Despite having all the main ingredients to succeed down the middle, Martinelli still prefers to play out wide as he confirmed to Globo Esporte last month. "I prefer to play on the sides, the left side specifically," he said. "I like to reach the area with a chance to finish, so if the ball is on the left I'll be in a good position to score. I can also play on the right side, but my favourite position is on the left wing, infiltrating and being as close to the goal as possible."
Whereas Arteta has previously hinted at other plans for the youngster, highlighting the quality he offers across the frontline. "Gabi's playing a different position because Auba played more as a 9 in his last few months. He certainly has the capacity to score goals and be a threat in the final third. His contribution and all round game has been exceptional."
Martinelli, who has five goals and four assists to his name so far this season, is finally reaping the rewards of his impressive performances for Arsenal after recently receiving his first senior call up to the Brazil national team as he looks to stamp down a place for Qatar 2022.
