Mikel Arteta needs to try ‘fast’ Arsenal star in a new position against Port Vale in the EFL Cup

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Arsenal’s upcoming EFL Cup tie against Port Vale will be an excellent chance for Mikel Arteta to rotate his squad.

Following several excellent signings in the summer, graphics are now often shared demonstrating the two excellent teams Arsenal can field this season.

Arsenal’s ‘B team’ can boast a back four of Myles Lewis-Skelly, Piero Hincapie, Cristhian Mosquera and Ben White – a defensive line capable of winning trophies.

And beyond the defence, it’s similarly strong in attack, with the likes of Ethan Nwaneri, Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard all waiting to come in.

That being said, with Kai Havertz injured, there’s an opportunity for a makeshift striker to come in against Port Vale as a substitute for Viktor Gyokeres, whose minutes need managing.

And whilst Mikel Merino is the obvious choice, there might be a more exciting alternative.

Gabriel Martinelli deserves his chance as a striker for Arsenal

Following his goals from central positions against Athletic Club and Manchester City last week, it’s time for Arteta to try Martinelli as a striker.

In the past, Arteta has spoken about Martinelli as a number nine – he’s highlighted the idea as a realistic option.

However, during the absence of Havertz and Gabriel Jesus last season, that still didn’t come to fruition.

But whilst Martinelli has struggled for form on the left wing over the past year or so, he’s shown glimpses of brilliance recently in a central role.

READ MORE: Gabriel Martinelli comments on Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal team selection after late Man City goal

And perhaps the Brazilian could be a long-term option for Arteta in a central position.

Last season Andoni Iraola praised Martinelli for being so ‘fast’, and the Bournemouth manager admitted to adjusting his own side to cope with that pace.

And particularly against lower-league Port Vale, Martinelli could thrive.

Max Dowman could come in owing to Noni Madueke’s injury

Unfortunately for Arsenal, rumours are now circulating that Noni Madueke picked up a knee injury in Sunday’s draw with Man City.

Madueke was subbed at half-time and Arteta confirmed after full-time that there was an issue.

Therefore, if Madueke is missing for a period, it could be prime time for Max Dowman to start on the right – there’s no need to risk Bukayo Saka in the EFL Cup.

Instead, Wednesday’s match could provide an opportunity for Dowman to continue to display his rich talent, while also playing with a strong team around him.

And if Arsenal fans were tuning in to watch Martinelli up front and Dowman on the right, there would certainly be a lot of excitement and intrigue.

Of course, it remains to be seen if Arteta will experiment to that extent, or whether he’ll use Merino as the nine and simply shift Nwaneri out to the right.