When Arsenal discovered Gabriel Martnelli illuminating the Brazilian fourth division as an adolescent, they discovered a “diamond.”
The young forward, who is 21 years old, has arrived at prominence via a circuitous path, but he has always possessed the ability and determination to be a premier player, and this season, in a revitalized Arsenal squad, he is undoubtedly poised to have his finest year to date.
A twenty-minute goal away at Crystal Palace twenty minutes into the new season helped establish the groundwork for a 2-0 victory.Despite the acclaim, international calls-ups, and salary increase, 18-year-old Martinelli remains as focused as the day he signed with Arsenal in July 2019.
The coach remarked to Edu, the club’s technical director, “He’s a great kid” as they awaited Martinelli’s return from training while seated in the canteen.
Early in his career, Martinelli appeared to be pursuing a conventional trajectory towards success while attending the esteemed Corinthians academy in Sao Paulo. However, the forward transferred to Ituano FC, a fourth-tier club, at the age of 14, less than one hundred miles from his residence in Guarulhos, a district of Sao Paulo.
The intention was to allow Martinelli, who was acquired from Ituano for £6 million despite making only 17 appearances and scoring six goals, to mature in the club’s academy with the Under 23s. However, he impressed so much during a preseason tour to the United States and in training that manager Unai Emery promoted him to the first team immediately.In September 2019, the youthful Brazilian scored his first two goals for the Gunners in a 5-0 League Cup rout of Nottingham Forest.Head coach Emery remarked, “He is extremely modest and fights, and he is eager for the chance to assist us.” I advised him to be patient while he awaited his opportunity to perform as he was. He performed that action. He had earned it.With three appearances for Brazil and 36 for Arsenal last season, including 29 in the Premier League with six goals, his profile has been significantly expanded, causing Arsenal supporters concern that other clubs will attempt to acquire his services.An devotee of Martinelli, Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp referred to him as “incredible” shortly after he arrived in England. However, Martinelli does not consider areas beyond north London at this juncture. Martinelli has become a mainstay in the Arsenal first team, and his goals, in addition to his dynamic performances and never-say–die attitude, have earned him the affection of the fans.He is in an advantageous position to advance his development this season. Now tasked with assisting new signings in settling in, he personifies the principles of dedication, passion, and reverence that Arteta upholds.Undoubtedly, he has similarly wowed his new teammates.”How Gabi adapted to this level was unfathomable,” said Granit Xhaka, 29, a senior professional in the Arsenal locker room. “I feel the same way about Marquinhos as well.”