Arsenal star told he's 'not what he was' as ex-Gunner talks up two transfers to replace him

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Former Arsenal skipper William Gallas believes Gabriel Martinelli is "just not what he was" as he talked up landing new faces on the team's left flank.

Martinelli arrived at the Emirates during the Unai Emery era and was a crucial part of the Gunners' attack when they first began their rise under Mikel Arteta . The Brazilian commanded a spot on the left wing, but that is no longer the case.

This term Martinelli has scored just once in the Premier League , which is a notable drop off from the 15 goals he scored three seasons ago. An increase in competition has impacted on his minutes, but Gallas doesn't see him hitting the same heights he once did.

The Frenchman is also not convinced by Leandro Trossard , who he has labelled a "squad player". The Belgian is another player used by Arteta down Arsenal's left but Gallas has identified two PSG stars who could serve as replacements.

He told BoyleSports : "[Viktor] Gyokeres has scored goals but he hasn’t scored enough goals so he has to reach a minimum 20 goals next season and it will be difficult for him if Arsenal are going to play the same way because he doesn’t really dominate the league physically like he did in Portugal.

"Maybe you need a left winger because I don’t know what has happened to Gabriel Martinelli, he’s just not what he was, and Leandro Trossard is a good squad player but you need something else.

"Would I prefer Khvicha Kvaratskhelia or Bradley Barcola for Arsenal? Barcola. When you’ve got a striker like Gyokeres, you need players to give him the ball to score the goals, and that’s why maybe some of Arsenal’s style has to change, or Arsenal need to change their striker."

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Arsenal have already been linked with Kvaratskhelia, who has only been in Paris for just over a year. The Georgian continues to be a huge asset for the Parisians and it would take a mammoth offer before they even considered cashing in.

Arteta already has a wealth of attacking players to call upon. As well as Gyokeres, Martinelli and Trossard the Spaniard can turn to the likes of Eberechi Eze, Noni Madueke, Bukayo Saka , Martin Odegaard and Kai Havertz. The amount of depth has already forced Ethan Nwaneri to pursue a loan move away.

Despite Gallas' criticism Martinelli has been a huge asset off the bench. He's scored 11 times in all competitions with six of those coming in the Champions League .