We ‘signed’ Lautaro Martinez for Arsenal this summer and got excellent results

Arsenal has been searching for attacking reinforcements, and one of the latest names linked to the club is Lautaro Martinez, the talented striker from Inter Milan. Reports suggest that Arsenal is exploring the possibility of signing Martinez during the summer transfer window. Martinez played a crucial role in Argentina’s Copa America victory, scoring three goals in six matches. His performance at the tournament followed an impressive season with Inter Milan, where he scored 19 goals and provided 11 assists across all competitions. Considering Arsenal’s need for a strong forward, adding Martinez could significantly boost the team’s attacking options.

Arsenal had already made some key signings during the summer, bringing in Nuno Tavares from Benfica for £7 million, Albert Sambi Lokonga from Anderlecht for £15 million, and Ben White from Brighton for £50 million. With these additions, Mikel Arteta was shaping the squad to be more competitive. But the potential signing of Lautaro Martinez sparked excitement among fans, eager to see how he could impact Arsenal’s 2021/22 campaign. To explore this possibility, a simulation was set up using Football Manager 2021, imagining what might happen if Martinez joined Arsenal ahead of the new season.

In this simulation, Martinez was immediately integrated into the team as the main striker. He played at the heart of Arsenal’s attack, supported by Gabriel Martinelli and Bukayo Saka on the wings. Emile Smith Rowe took a deeper role in midfield as Arteta shifted from his usual 4-2-3-1 formation to a more dynamic setup to accommodate Martinez’s style. The results of the simulation were impressive, showcasing Martinez’s potential influence on the team’s performance.

Throughout the simulated 2021/22 season, Lautaro Martinez made 47 appearances in all competitions. He scored an incredible 28 goals and provided five assists. His goal-scoring prowess helped him finish as Arsenal’s top scorer, and he even secured the Premier League Golden Boot with 23 league goals, matching Marcus Rashford’s tally for the season. Martinez’s ability to find the back of the net consistently made a significant difference for Arsenal.

The impact of Martinez’s arrival wasn’t limited to his own performances. His presence on the pitch had a positive effect on his teammates, particularly Gabriel Martinelli and Bukayo Saka. Martinelli enjoyed a productive season, scoring 13 goals and providing nine assists, while Saka had a sensational campaign with 17 goals and 11 assists. The chemistry between these three attackers created a formidable front line, comparable to Liverpool’s famous trio of Sadio Mane, Roberto Firmino, and Mohamed Salah. Together, Arsenal’s front three contributed to 63 goals across all competitions, highlighting the effectiveness of their partnership.

Martinez’s average match rating for the season was an impressive 7.74, making him the highest-rated player at the club. The only player who came close to his rating was Thomas Partey, who had an average rating of 7.61. Martinez’s consistent performances not only helped Arsenal secure important victories but also raised the overall standard of the team.

At the end of the season, Football Manager 2021 generated an overall best XI for Arsenal, based on player performances, statistics, and other metrics. As expected, Lautaro Martinez was included in this lineup, reflecting his significant contribution throughout the season. His inclusion in the best XI underscored his importance to the team and his ability to adapt quickly to English football.

The simulation results painted a promising picture of what Lautaro Martinez could bring to Arsenal. His goal-scoring ability, combined with his work rate and technical skills, made him a perfect fit for Arteta’s tactical system. Martinez’s movement off the ball created space for his teammates, allowing Martinelli and Saka to exploit defensive gaps and contribute to the team’s attacking play.

In addition to his offensive contributions, Martinez’s defensive work rate was commendable. He often pressed high up the pitch, disrupting the opposition’s build-up play and forcing turnovers. This defensive effort aligned with Arteta’s philosophy of high pressing and quick transitions, making Martinez a valuable asset on both ends of the pitch.

The simulation also highlighted the impact of having a reliable goal scorer in the team. Arsenal had struggled with consistency in front of goal in previous seasons, but Martinez’s presence provided a solution to this problem. His clinical finishing and ability to score from various positions gave Arsenal an edge in tight matches, where a single goal could make the difference.

Moreover, Martinez’s leadership qualities and winning mentality, developed during his time at Inter Milan and with the Argentine national team, brought a new level of confidence to the Arsenal squad. His experience in high-pressure situations, such as Copa America and Serie A title races, proved invaluable in guiding younger players and maintaining composure during crucial moments.

The success of the simulated season with Martinez also emphasized the importance of strategic signings. While Arsenal had already strengthened their squad with key acquisitions, the addition of a top-class striker like Martinez elevated the team to new heights. His presence not only improved the team’s attacking output but also inspired better performances from his teammates.

Considering these simulated results, it’s clear that signing Lautaro Martinez could have a transformative effect on Arsenal. His goal-scoring record, combined with his all-around contributions, would address the team’s need for a prolific striker. Furthermore, his ability to adapt to different tactical setups and his strong work ethic make him an ideal fit for Arteta’s vision.

While simulations can only provide hypothetical outcomes, they offer valuable insights into how a player might perform in a new environment. In Martinez’s case, the results were overwhelmingly positive, suggesting that he could be a key figure in Arsenal’s quest for success. His potential partnership with players like Martinelli, Saka, and Smith Rowe promises an exciting attacking dynamic that could propel Arsenal to compete at the highest level.

In conclusion, the simulated 2021/22 season with Lautaro Martinez at Arsenal showcased the significant impact he could have on the team. His goal-scoring ability, combined with his influence on teammates and tactical adaptability, highlighted his potential as a game-changing signing. If Arsenal were to secure his services, fans could look forward to an exciting and successful campaign, with Martinez playing a central role in the team’s resurgence.