Arsenal finished the summer transfer window with just Gabriel Jesus and Eddie Nketiah as the main forward options going into the season. A lot of pressure was placed on both, with the heavy fixture schedule due to the Gunners returning to the Europa League.
It is potentially for this reason that during periods of Arsenal’s 1-0 victory over Chelsea, Mikel Arteta used Gabriel Martinelli as the striker, while putting Gabriel Jesus on the wing. This could be a regular theme after the World Cup break.
And, with Martinelli reportedly missing out on a place in Brazil’s World Cup squad for Qatar, it gives the winger an excellent chance on the training ground to become more accustomed to the forward position. He was already teased as a centre forward across moments throughout last season.
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Brazilian journalist Bruno Andrade released the squad list for Brazil’s team in Qatar, and both Gabriel Magalhaes and Martinelli have missed out, meanwhile, Gabriel Jesus has been called up to represent his country at a second World Cup.
Martinelli has been tipped to be Arsenal’s next striker having previously played in that role. And it now may be the perfect time for Arteta to give the youngster a chance in learning leading the line, after being omitted from international duty, as he will now have more time on the training pitch.
The Brazilian already played in a more central forward role early last season during the Gunners' 2-0 defeat against Chelsea at the Emirates stadium. However, his lack of impact in that match should not cloud over Arteta’s decision to play him there in the future, as the line-up against Chelsea was very weak due to injuries and the Covid-19 situation.
Despite struggling in the position before, Martinelli did prove a success as a centre forward during the 2019/20 season against Liverpool in the Carabao Cup, scoring a brace in an end-to-end 5-5 clash. He played so well in this match that he was endorsed by Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp, who described the 20-year-old as being an “Incredible striker.”
And If the suggestions from Arsenal’s social media video last season is to be believed, then Martinelli could well be in for a chance of transitioning into the forward role which he was always destined for. And the fact that he is taking the necessary steps to become the right fit for the position, which will give Arteta an extra alternative in the forward role.
Jesus is currently on a barren run, failing to score in nine games, and Eddie Nketiah has also struggled to score in Europe this season. It opens the chance for Martinelli to potentially adopt this new role.
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