Two Arsenal players have played a key role for their respective country at the World Cup and sent a clear message to Mikel Arteta
Mikel Arteta has been sent a clear message by two members of the Arsenal squad during the World Cup, with the summer transfer window in full swing.
Kai Havertz and Gabriel Martinelli have both been starring at the tournament in North America, and their latest performances would have sent a reminder to Arteta and Arsenal ahead of next season.
Martinelli was the star for Brazil on Monday night as he scored the winning goal for his country in a 2-1 victory over Japan in the round of 32 fixture.
Mainz midfielder Kaishu Sano opened the scoring for Japan, before former Manchester United star Casemiro equalised for Brazil in Houston.
Martinelli then found the back of the net in stoppage time to send Brazil through to the last-16 stage of the World Cup, where they will face either the Ivory Coast or Norway.
Havertz was also on the score sheet for Germany in their 1-1 draw with Paraguay, before Julian Nagelsmann’s side went on to lose the subsequent penalty shootout and exit the World Cup – with the Arsenal striker missing from the spot.
Both Martinelli and Havertz have both been tentatively linked with moves away from Arsenal this summer, particularly given where the Gunners are believed to be looking for reinforcements this summer.
As football.london has previously reported, Arsenal are looking to sign a new left winger this summer, with the likes of Bradley Barcola, Morgan Rogers and Eli Junior Kroupi all linked with moves to north London.
This particularly affects the future of Martinelli, who is under contract at Arsenal until 2027, with the club having the option to extend by a further 12 months.
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Arteta handed Martinelli just 11 starts in the Premier League last season, and with Arsenal looking to sign a new left winger, speculation about the 25-year-old’s future is likely to be increasingly uncertain.
The noise around Havertz’s future has been less uncertain, but there has still been speculation about whether or not the Germany international will remain at the Emirates Stadium next season.
Arsenal have even been linked with signing a new striker this summer, despite bringing Viktor Gyokeres to the club last summer to compete with Havertz for the centre forward spot.
After Martinelli and Havertz found the back of the net with their respective nations at the World Cup, both players sent a clear message to Arteta that they can still have a key role to play for Arsenal ahead of their Premier League title defence.
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