Arsenal could be heading into the 2022/23 season exactly how they came out of the previous campaign, with just two natural centre forwards available for Mikel Arteta to choose from.
Gabriel Jesus, Eddie Nketiah and Folarin Balogun represent the three current options following Alexandre Lacazette's departure. However, that number is likely to decrease once again.
That's because transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has claimed that Balogun will leave for a second consecutive loan spell once the squad returns from its pre-season tour of America.
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Balogun spent half of last season at Championship side Middlesbrough, where he scored three times in 18 matches. With the return of European football and additional substitutions now permitted, there appeared to be a chance for him to stamp down a place in Arteta's squad, but that now looks out of the question.
With more fixtures and options from the bench to consider, some may say that loaning out Balogun is a slight risk, but Arsenal already have the perfect stopgap option.
Gabriel Martinelli has proven over time that he has what it takes to operate as a striker, possessing the intelligence, movement and clinical touch in front of goal. The Brazilian has scored from the ground and the air, showcasing the variety on offer, while he still has so much to give at a young age.
It's no secret that Martinelli prefers to play out on the left in order to cut in on his right foot, although football.london understands he has previously taken up a centre-forward role in training which could be an indication that Arteta plans on using him there more often.
The Arsenal boss has previously hinted that he views Martinelli as a centre-forward but emphasised the difficulties due to Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Lacazette's presence. He may now feel the same way with Jesus and Nketiah, but then again, they played together in a striking partnership against FC Nurnberg last week.
Whether it's through squad rotation or having two up front, there's definitely scope for Martinelli to play more centrally next season. I don't think there's any doubt that he has more to learn and improve, but he represents a solid option for Arteta should the need to play him there emerges.
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