Gabriel Martinelli could suffer a similar ‘problem’ to Jack Grealish if Arsenal sign Joao Cancelo this summer.
Cancelo is expected to return to Manchester City at the end of the season after a disappointing loan spell with Bayern Munich, having failed to impress Thomas Tuchel.
It remains to be seen whether Pep Guardiola still has plans for the 28-year-old at the Etihad, with the likes of Kyle Walker, Nathan Ake, Manuel Akanji and Rico Lewis all currently ahead of him in the pecking order.
Consequently, Mikel Arteta has been alerted to the situation and could make a move for the Portugal international, according to multiple reports.
The Gunners boss is thought to be keen to add a full-back to his ranks at the end of the season, having encountered a major injury crisis at the back this term.
However, The Guardian’s Jonathan Wilson’s recent comments should serve as a warning to Arteta.
Martinelli could suffer Grealish ‘problem’
After a slow start to life at Manchester City, Grealish has rediscovered his form in a sky blue shirt, setting an example of what Guardiola expects from his players in both attack and defence.
Meanwhile, Wilson reckons his resurgence could be due to Cancelo’s departure in January, believing the defender held him back when they shared the left-hand flank.
Speaking on The Guardian’s Weekly Football podcast, Wilson postulated: “I think Grealish has looked better since Cancelo has left.
“I think having a player coming inside him was not how he was used to playing at Villa, when he always had overlapping full-backs.
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“He does look happier without that figure [Cancelo] there, and by having [John] Stones stepping up intoto midfield, it means that both City’s full-backs can play pretty deep.”
In the meantime, Martinelli has enjoyed an excellent season in north London and is his side’s top scorer in the Premier League alongside Martin Odegaard on 15 goals.
The Brazilian has profited greatly from the addition of Oleksandr Zinchenko, who has given him the freedom to pick up goalscoring positions in and around the box.
However, Cancelo’s differing style could have a significant impact on Martinelli, with Grealish having suffered in the past.
But while Arteta will be eager to not rock the boat down his left-hand side, Cancelo’s current situation could be the perfect opportunity to pounce.
The Gunners boss raided Manchester City of both Zinchenko and Gabriel Jesus last summer, who have both proved to be an enormous success at the Emirates – prompting the Spaniard to try his luck a third time round.
