Arsenal have been tipped to upgrade upon Gabriel Martinelli after his inconsistent performances for Mikel Arteta’s side this season.

While Kai Havertz and Bukayo Saka have had to deal with lengthy lay-offs this season, Martinelli has been virtually ever-present save for a four-game spell on the treatment table in February.

Despite that, the Brazilian has notched up only eight goals in the Premier League so far this campaign, while he has managed just five in 25 appearances in all competitions since the turn of the year.

Just two seasons ago, Martinelli scored an impressive 15 league goals, but the 23-year-old has struggled to hit those heights again in recent campaigns.

An improved performance in a more central role saw Martinelli score the goal which sparked Arsenal’s impressive comeback against Liverpool last weekend.

But former Gunners defender Nigel Winterburn believes the forward’s time as a regular starter in Arteta’s side could come to an end after this summer’s transfer window.

‘That performance against Liverpool was better, but his form has been a bit erratic this season,’ Winterburn told Metro via best live casinos.

‘He definitely needs to get back to the consistent levels of performance that we’ve seen in the past that we know he can produce.

‘However, it wouldn’t surprise me, if I’m honest, if Arsenal brought someone in on that left-hand side to be a challenge and eventually replace Martinelli next season.’

Athletic Bilbao winger Nico Williams has been widely linked with a move to Arsenal this summer and could occupy a similar spot on the left side of a front three.

Martinelli, meanwhile, is said to have drawn interest from Saudi Arabia, although Winterburn doesn’t believe a move to the Middle East would be in the Brazilian’s best interests.

‘I don’t see him leaving in the summer, but he’s going to have to work hard to keep his spot in the side moving forward,’ he added.

‘I can’t pre-judge what other players are going to do. Going to Saudi Arabia is huge money but Martinelli is still a young man and I don’t know if I would be comfortable making that move.

‘That league isn’t strong and it may never be strong. They’re trying to build something but that’s going to take many, many years.

‘There only reason he would be going would be for the money and I won’t judge him on that but he’s on huge amounts anyway and you want to be in one of the most competitive leagues in the world which the Premier League is.’

For now, Martinelli and Arsenal’s focus will turn to Sunday’s important league clash with Newcastle as the Gunners look to ensure their second-place finish.

‘The last five or six games in the league have been a bit strange and a bit disappointing,’ said Winterburn. ‘The run of results hasn’t been brilliant, but I think the Champions League run definitely had something to do with that.

‘But when you get to this stage of the season, is second any better than fourth? You still get Champions League football so I don’t think there’s much to be worried about.

‘I imagine Mikel Arteta will have a different view of that and he’ll want to get the better of Newcastle who have been a bit of a bogey team for him.

‘If you can end with two strong performances, then you go into the off-season with a bit more momentum. Then it’s about a review and then you would think a few movements on the squad in and out. That’s what everybody is expecting and it’s what is needed.’

For more stories like this, check our sport page.

Follow Metro Sport for the latest news on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.