It would be hard to deny that this season was a disappointment for Arsenal.
Mikel Arteta’s side may have done well in the Champions League and finished second in the Premier League, but the club’s ambition was to win a significant honour, which they failed to do.
There were a number of players who failed to deliver, with Gabriel Martinelli being one of the attackers who really flattered to deceive.
Interestingly, the Brazilian’s inability to get back to the levels he showed in 22/23 might have cost him his place in the team, as recent reports have linked the club with an exciting youngster who could be an ideal upgrade.
Arsenal's chase for a new winger
Much of the chatter this summer has been about Arsenal’s need for a new winger.
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Fortunately, they have several players on their radar, albeit that have yet to formally make a move for any of their targets.
Real Madrid’s Rodrygo has been one name linked, as has another Spanish-based forward in Nico Williams. However, if they are unattainable, then they could look forwards the Bundesliga.
According to a recent report from Caught Offside, Arsenal are now one of a handful of teams interested in Leipzig star, Antonio Nusa, ahead of the transfer window reopening on Monday.
While the report claims that the interest from the Gunners is currently the most notable, other teams like Chelsea, Newcastle United, Aston Villa, Everton, and Napoli are all keen on the dynamo, presently valued at €45m, which is about £38m.
It could be a somewhat complicated transfer to get over the line, but Nusa could be a special player, and someone Arsenal should pursue, especially as he could be an upgrade on Martinelli.
How Nusa compares to Martinelli
One of the significant strengths of Nusa is that he can play in a number of positions, be that off the right, up top or even wide midfield, but when it comes down to it, his most natural and best role is as a left-winger.
Therefore, if the “ridiculous” Norwegian entertainer, as dubbed by journalist Dean Jones, is to join Arsenal this summer, then one of his main competitors for game time would be Martinelli, so how do the pair stack up against one another?
Well, when it comes down to their raw output this season, it would be fair to say neither was prolific, but even though he’s almost four years his junior, it’s the Leipiz star who comes out on top here.
For example, in 36 appearances for the German outfit, totalling just 2185 minutes, the Langhus-born ace scored five goals and provided seven assists, which comes out to an average of a goal involvement every three games, or 182.08 minutes.
In contrast, the Gunners’ number 11 scored ten goals and provided six assists, but did so in 51 appearances, totalling 3564 minutes, which comes out to a goal involvement every 3.18 games, or every 222.75 minutes.
Okay, what about their underlying numbers, then? Which winger comes out on top when we take a look under the hood?
Unfortunately for the former Ituano, while he does do better in some metrics, like shots, shots on target, and passes into the penalty area, he comes out as a clear second-best in the vast majority of others.
Non-Penalty G+As
0.52
0.38
Progressive Passes
3.09
1.87
Progressive Carries
3.61
4.69
Shots
1.94
2.12
Goals per Shot
0.13
0.12
Shots on Target
0.75
0.94
Goals per Shot on Target
0.35
0.28
Passing Accuracy
73.2%
71.4%
Key Passes
1.57
1.56
Passes into the Final Third
1.65
0.47
Passes into the Penalty Area
1.37
1.40
Live Passes
30.8
25.4
Shot-Creating Actions
3.34
2.90
Goal-Creating Actions
0.28
0.25
Tackles
1.69
0.92
Blocks
0.88
0.73
Interceptions
0.52
0.16
Clearances
0.56
0.70
Successful Take-Ons
2.25
1.48
Ball Recoveries
4.38
3.10
For example, the former Club Brugge gem emerges victories in metrics like non-penalty goals plus assists, progressive passes, shot and goal-creating actions, key passes, tackles and many, many more, all per 90.
Moreover, the 20-year-old “1v1 specialist,” as dubbed by analyst Ben Mattinson, also does far better when it comes to successful take-ons per 90, which could help make the North Londoners’ left-hand side so much more effective.
Ultimately, Martinelli could still be a valuable squad player for Arsenal next season, but it’s clear that, despite being considerably younger, Nusa is the better winger and, therefore, someone the club should be going all out to sign.
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