According to Globo Esporte, Arsenal are on the verge of announcing their first signing of the summer in the shape of Gabriel Martinelli. The report claims that the Gunners have agreed a £6 million deal with Ituano for the services of the young 18-year-old forward. He could become the 10th Brazilian player to don the Arsenal colours if he arrives at Emirates this summer.
Who is Gabriel Martinelli?
Born in Guarulhos, Martinelli began his career in the Corinthians youth academy, where the youngster was one of the most productive attackers. In fact, until the age of 13, he scored 73 goals in 139 games before he left Corinthians and joined the Ituano youth team back in 2015.
Martinelli is rated among the up and coming talents in Brazilian football, having enjoyed a productive campaign since being promoted to the Ituano first-team since the start of last year. Indeed, the 18-year-old netted ten goals and provided six assists in his 31 professional appearances so far. Hence, it comes as no surprise as to why he is rated so highly by the Arsenal hierarchy.
What can Martinelli bring to the table?
Martinelli is advertised as an explosive forward, who uses his pace to run in behind opposition defences. He has excellent close control, which allows him to keep hold of the ball even under tight pressure. Additionally, the 18-year-old is a great finisher and often makes full use of his chances.
The Ituano forward can also be utilised as a pressing machine given his aggression and willingness to run at the defender with or without the ball. However, Martinelli certainly needs to improve on his overall decision making if he is to thrive at a higher level of football.
Will Martinelli be a good signing for Arsenal?
The addition of Martinelli could make sense for Arsenal as they prepare for life without Danny Welbeck next season. The ex-Manchester United forward has struggled to dethrone the likes of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Alexandre Lacazette as Arsenal’s leading striker and will leave the club when his contract expires at the end of this month.
Martinelli, in that regard, is a smart long-term investment for the Gunners. He will be an excellent addition to the reserve team while he can also provide back-up to Arsenal’s offensive duo of Aubameyang and Lacazette. And for a fee of only £6 million, the youngster won’t have much impact on Arsenal’s transfer kitty – making him a viable signing for the North London giants.
