6 passes, 8 duels lost: Arsenal must search for upgrade on 23yo star, lost the ball 10 times vs PSG - opinion

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Ayer 21:42

Arsenal bowed out of the Champions League on Wednesday night following a 3-1 aggregate defeat to Paris Saint-Germain.

The Gunners were trailing 1-0 after the first leg at the Emirates Stadium. They suffered a 2-1 loss at Parc des Princes yesterday.

Gabriel Martinelli started on the left wing for the Gunners. He made a bright start and almost scored in the fourth minute.

Barring that moment, the 23-year-old was literally ineffective and could not influence the game in the opposition box.

Martinelli registered just six successful passes. He won just six out of 14 duels contested.

The left winger won four out of nine dribbles while losing possession on 10 occasions.

Leandro Trossard replaced him in the 68th minute, and he played a big role in creating Bukayo Saka’s consolation strike.

The Belgian star managed more passes (seven) than Martinelli despite being on the pitch for just 27 minutes yesterday.

In our view, the Gunners need an upgrade on Martinelli on the left side of the attack next season.

Trossard has fared better than Martinelli on occasions, but the 30-year-old lacks the work rate and mobility of his teammate.

There is speculation that Trossard could be offloaded this summer amid interest from Saudi Arabia.

Arsenal turned down a £30 million offer from Al-Ittihad last summer, but could be tempted to accept a similar proposal this time.

The former Brighton & Hove Albion man will enter the last year of his contract in July, and it could be the right time to part ways.

In that case, Arsenal must pursue a marquee player who can establish himself as the first-choice left winger ahead of Martinelli.

Athletic’s Nico Williams has been a long-term target for the Gunners and would be an ideal acquisition in the next transfer window.

The Spaniard, who has a £51m release clause in his contract, has similar traits as Martinelli.

He possesses a tireless work rate and does plenty of defensive work. He has also won an impressive 3.4 take-ons per game this season.

Williams is far from a finished article, but has managed more goal contributions (18 to 15) in 250 less minutes than Martinelli this term.

The Spaniard has suffered multiple niggles in the ongoing campaign. His goal involvements should be higher when he is fully injury free.

The 22-year-old was involved in 26 goals for the Basque outfit last season.

Stats from Transfermarkt.com & Sofascore.com

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