Martinelli and Gyokeres omissions raise questions over Arsenal futures

Actions Speak Louder Than Words!

They say actions speak louder than words, and some Gooners will be gutted to see Martinelli not in Friday’s squad, while Gyokeres also didn’t get a second of action.

To clarify, managers can pick nine subs in the Premiership, and such is the competition at the Emirates that not all established names will make the bench.

Mikel Arteta was quick to point that out, although it’s worth stressing that last season both players were higher up in the pecking order.

The Spaniard could simply feel both players have been distracted by transfer speculation and, once their futures are clarified, they will be more involved.

Are Arsenal protecting their assets?

It’s more likely that the Gunners are protecting the value of an asset.

Football, after all, is a business, and from a financial point of view, if you have a potential deal on the horizon where you can make millions, you reduce the risk of injury by not playing him.

Of course, no manager will publicly say that.

They will maintain that who was or wasn’t on the pitch against Coventry was strictly a choice made on sporting merit.

It’s reported that Martinelli has told his employers he wouldn’t be interested in a move to Turkey, but that doesn’t mean there wouldn’t be other destinations that appeal to the Brazilian, especially if it’s made clear to him he’s no longer wanted in North London.

Gyokeres has only been in the English capital for a year and, given how much the striker did to force a move from Portugal, it would seem harsh if his boss has given up on him after one campaign.