Back in mid-2019, one would have been surprised by the out-of-the-ordinary signing of teenager Gabriel Martinelli. The 18-year-old had only just played his first season for Ituano, a fourth-tier Brazilian side.
Having been linked with Arsenal since as early as April, Gooners around the world had no idea who Martinelli was. Plus, a six-million-pound fee left many fans confused. Why did Arsenal sign a young prospect instead of, perhaps, a good defender at the time?
Gabriel Martinelli Rises to Prominence at Arsenal
Martinelli Proving the Doubters Wrong
In Brazil, Martinelli had already made a large name for himself. He scored over 200 goals as a futsal player. With Ituano, he scored 64 goals in less than 100 games. Arsenal fans would not have been blamed for likening him to young Gunners such as Folarin Balogun or Reiss Nelson.
In turn, he scored on his debut against Colorado Rapids in pre-season. His first goal in a competitive match came only a few months after that. He scored a brace in the League Cup against Nottingham Forest, only to follow that up with another against Liverpool in the next round.
He’s scored three goals in five games in the Europa League and scored his first Premier League goal with a tidy finish against West Ham.
By the time of Unai Emery’s sacking in late November, Martinelli scored seven goals in just as many games. He already was in the top five goal scorers in the Unai Emery era. The scariest part is that the wonder-kid can only get better.
Is He the Future of Arsenal Football Club?
Gabriel Martinelli has already gained a massive cult-following at the club. With strikers Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Alexandre Lacazette only getting older, Martinelli could be the man to lead the lines for the next decade.
Many are already comparing him to Brazil legend Ronaldo. Indeed, Martinelli has spoke of his admiration for the player. Ronaldo is a model of success that Martinelli wishes to follow. He has flair, skill, and finishing. There is a good chance for him to become a legend at the club.
Will Martinelli continue his goal-scoring antics? That remains to be seen.
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