Arsenal could sign perfect Martinelli replacement in “electric” £62m star
Arsenal’s attack in 2025/26 has been nothing short of exceptional, with such performances playing a massive part in the club sitting top of the Premier League table.
Mikel Arteta’s side have already netted 30 goals in their first 16 league outings this campaign, with only Manchester City currently scoring more at this stage.
However, no player has yet scored five goals or more, subsequently showcasing the importance of having countless players who can chip in within the final third.
Bukayo Saka, Eberechi Eze, Leandro Trossard and Viktor Gyokeres all currently sit top of the goalscoring charts with four strikes – highlighting the strength in depth available to the manager.
Such numbers may be impressive to many, but the Gunners’ hierarchy appear to be wanting to inject further quality into such a department during the upcoming window.
Arsenal actively pursuing move for £62m superstar this January
Over the last couple of weeks, a new winger has seemingly become the priority for Arsenal and Andrea Berta ahead of the January transfer window.
As a result, Bournemouth star Antoine Semenyo has become just one player touted with a switch to the Emirates, with his £65m release clause set to become active on the first day of the new year.
They aren’t alone in the pursuit of the 25-year-old attacker, with Manchester United and Liverpool just two other clubs who could pull the trigger and land him this winter.
However, Semenyo isn’t the only winger in the sights of the Gunners hierarchy, with Athletic Club star Nico Williams once again appearing firmly in their sights.
According to one Spanish outlet, Berta and Co are actively pursuing the 23-year-old, who’s already racked up five combined goals and assists in the 2025/26 campaign.
The report also states that the Spaniard could be available for a reported £62m this window, but it’s unclear if the Gunners would match such a price after their summer spending spree.
Why Williams joining would be bad news for Martinelli
Back in the 2022/23 campaign, Brazilian winger Gabriel Martinelli cemented himself as one of Arsenal’s most important players due to his impact in the final third.
The 24-year-old ended such a season with 15 goals and six assists across all competitions, but he’s been unable to get anywhere near close to such numbers in the last two years.
He’s only registered 16 goals in his last two seasons combined, whilst subsequently coming under fire for his lack of clinical nature when bearing down on the opposition goal.
As a result, Martinelli has only started a total of five league games out of a possible 16 this season, with Arteta often preferring the likes of Trossard in such a position.
However, it could be about to get a whole lot worse for the attacker should Williams join, with the Spaniard no doubt pushing him further down the pecking order.
The £62m fee would certainly suggest that he’d be a regular starter, with the comparison of their respective stats from the ongoing campaign, undoubtedly showcasing that the Athletic star is a bigger talent.
Williams, who’s been dubbed “electric” by one analyst, has achieved more goal contributions, whilst also achieving a better shot on target accuracy rate.
How Williams & Martinelli compared in 2025/26
Statistics (per 90)
Williams
Martinelli
Games played
13
12
Goals & assists
5
1
Shot on target accuracy
38%
26%
Pass accuracy
71%
67%
Progressive passes
2.8
2.2
Key passes
1.9
0.6
Take-on success
42%
33%
Progressive carries
5.7
2.7
Crosses completed
2.9
1.8
Stats via FBref
Such numbers in LaLiga showcase that the 23-year-old is certainly more of a clinical option in the final third, which could bolster Arsenal’s already impressive goalscoring record.
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He’s also completed more progressive passes and key passes per 90, subsequently having the creative nature which could allow the other attackers around him to bolster their own tallies.
Williams’ dominance with the ball at his feet over Martinelli is further demonstrated in his hierarchy tallies of take-ons and progressive carries completed per 90.
However, he’s also been able to offer the end product to his mazy runs this campaign, as seen by his tally of 2.9 crosses completed per 90 – a tally nearly double than that of the Brazilian.
£62m would certainly be yet another huge investment for the Gunners board, but it’s one that could allow for an immediate and long-term option off the left-hand side.
As for Martinelli, any move this winter could be catastrophic for his career in North London, which could even lead to a departure away from the Emirates as a result.
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