According to Daily Mail, Real Madrid are keeping tabs on Gabriel Martinelli following his bright start to the Premier League campaign. The Spanish giants value the Arsenal star at around £50 million. But, as a result of their interest, the Gunners are already looking to triple Martinelli’s wages and convince him to sign a new contract extension.
In this article, we will discuss how Martinelli’s stay at Arsenal could play a critical role in the club’s future within the coming years.
The face of the Arsenal attack
Martinelli definitely has the talent to become a top-class winger if he is nurtured well at the Emirates. And for that same reason, there is a bright chance that he could emerge as the face of the Arsenal attack within the coming years.
Indeed, the Brazilian has already made a sizzling impression with his pace and ability to get forward, initiating quick attacks. He is also blessed with quick feet that allow him to nestle through tight spaces. But more importantly, Martinelli has the willingness to close down opposing ball-carriers – making him quite useful in the first line of press.
These are qualities that make Martinelli a well-rounded attacker. And in that sense, the 18-year-old can be considered as the Alexis Sanchez replacement that Arsenal never had. And like the Chilean, the youngster could certainly become the driving force of the Gunners offence if he can continue to flourish in the English top flight.
A replacement for Aubameyang?
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has quickly become a Premier League star, since arriving from Borussia Dortmund in 2018. The striker has netted 57 goals in less than 100 competitive appearances for the club, notably ending the 2018/19 campaign as the league’s joint top-scorer, alongside Liverpool duo Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane.
But at the same time, Arsenal are running the risk of losing him, especially in the upcoming summer transfer window, when clubs like Barcelona and Real Madrid will be keen on signing a new forward. Martinelli, in that regard, could fill in his shoes at left-wing.
Much like the Gabonese, the 18-year-old is quick and is capable of scoring goals for fun. He has, in fact, already netted ten goals in 21 games this season, though seven of those came in Cup matches.
Therefore, Arsenal must do everything they can to keep hold of Martinelli for the long-term. As mentioned earlier, the Brazilian has the talent to emerge as a Premier League superstar, who can solve a host of problems in the Gunners’ offensive unit. But, it would be interesting to see whether or not Real Madrid do continue their pursuit of this talented winger in the upcoming summer.
