Gabriel Martinelli has shone this season as Arsenal continue to sustain an early challenge for the Premier League title.
The Brazilian tore apart Liverpool in the Gunners’ 3-2 victory over Jurgen Klopp’s men at the Emirates Stadium and has four goals and two assists to his name this season. He now appears to be reaching the immense potential predicted of him and should he continue his scintillating form, there is no reason why Martinelli couldn’t be taking home plenty of accolades come the end of the season.
While Gunners fans will be delighted to see the 21-year-old displaying his ability on a regular basis in North London, Martinelli could actually have been turning out for Manchester United instead.
Speaking earlier this year, the Brazilian revealed that he had multiple trials with the Red Devils due to an “agreement” with former club Ituano and was able to learn from the likes of United icons Wayne Rooney and Patrice Evra.
As quoted by The Athletic, he said: "My dad and I had watched the Premier League together, all the teams, like Manchester City, Manchester United, Arsenal and Leicester. I actually had four different trials at United when I was 13, 14, 15 and 16.
"This was in Manchester at the club’s training base, where I played in the same age group as Mason Greenwood and Brandon Williams, and I met first-team players, like Zlatan [Ibrahimovic], Paul Pogba, Wayne Rooney and Patrice Evra.”
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Despite those chats, Martinelli was never offered the opportunity to sign for the Red Devils.
"There was never a moment, though, when they said they wanted me there,” the Brazilian revealed. “But it give me a taste and made the adaptation a little easier because I had experienced football in England.
"Even after those trials, I always believed in myself. My mind is always thinking, 'I can do it.'"
In the end, Martinelli eventually made the switch to England as Arsenal swooped for his services in 2019. After the Gunners made their interest known, the Brazilian was left in no doubt as to where his future lied.
"My agent said we need to take a decision. When he said Arsenal, I said, 'OK, you do not need to say anything else, we are going to London,’” he said.
That has proven to be the right decision with Martinelli now closing in on 100 Arsenal appearances and in talks to extend his stay at the Emirates Stadium.
"I think it’s my best season here at Arsenal,” Martinelli revealed after the win over Liverpool. “I’m so happy for this moment. Of course, I want to stay. We are talking. Let’s see what is going to happen. But I want to stay, of course."
Whether United are now rueing their decision to to not offer Martinelli a contract remains to be seen but they will likely be casting envious glances over at the Emirates as he continues to shine.
Indeed, the Gunners will not look to tie their Brazilian superstar down to a new contract. While the rumours suggest that he is holding out for a £200,000-a-week deal, it is also understood that Chelsea and Liverpool are keeping tabs on his situation.
