If reports are to believed, then Brazilain winger Gabriel Martinelli is on his way to the Emirates Stadium sooner rather than later. Arsenal recently lost 4-1 to Chelsea in the Europa League finals last weekend as hence has made boss Unai Emery look around for new talents so as to beef up the squad ahead of the 2019/2020 season.
The 17-year-old Ituano player, who made history as the youngest debutant for the club when he appeared as a substitute in a 2-1 victory over Sao Bento in March 2018 at just 16, has previously had trials at both Manchester United and Barcelona.
The latest reports from Italian journalist Nicolo Schira claims that a deal has been agreed and the winger is set to be become Unai Emery’s first purchase of the summer. He will be unveiled at the Emirates Stadium in June when he turns 18 later this month.
Brazilian wonderkid Gabriel Martinelli will be Edu’s first purchase for Arsenal.
Arsenal have agreed a deal which will see the Brazilian attacker arrive from Ituano FC when he turns 18 (mid-end June).
If you aren’t aware of Martinelli, watch? #AFC
— WorldwideArsenal™ (@WorldwideAFC) June 2, 2019
According to Philip Costa of Scouted Football, “Stylistically, Martinelli can be compared to Richarlison, who represents a shift in what is expected of Brazilian attackers. “He is very athletic, hard working and seems to have an instinct for pressing defenders whose abilities are occasionally left wanting.”
“Playing for a fourth division side in the Campeonato Paulista (state championships) would normally see his influence limited against bigger sides, but he rose to the challenge, scoring six goals and assisting three.” he concluded.
Another journalist, Josh Williams who is with statistical body ‘Distance Covered’ also spoke on the youngster and his abilities. “The Brazilian prospect’s attacker radar paints the picture of a player involved in goalscoring despite operating in a wide role, in the mould of a Mohamed Salah, Richarlison, or a Son Heung-Min type of forward.”
“This is further emphasised by his reduced level of crossing, as he tends to attempt about 1.7 per 90, which suggests he’s much more of an inside forward than a winger.”
“Despite playing as an inside forward, though, Martinelli dribbles frequently, with about 7 attempted per 90. For perspective, Alex Iwobi is the only player to come close at Arsenal with an average of 5.7 attempted per 90 in the Premier League.”
✅Edu Gaspar will become next Arsenal technical director.
✅His first signing will be Gabriel Martinelli, who will sign for the club once he turns 18. (June 18th)[@NicoSchira] pic.twitter.com/CuJrgK0OEw
— LTArsenal™ (@ltarsenal) June 2, 2019
It is suggested that Arsenal have beat off a lot of competition in order to secure the services of the player, but what can Gunners’ fans expect from the teenager from south-eastern Brazil?