Arsenal Star ‘Very Close’ to Gunners Return

As the situation at Arsenal grows more perilous by the day, help is needed.

Whether that comes in the form of new signings, other teams making glaring errors or Arsenal snatching fortuitous Premier League points, it has to arrive from somewhere.

Internal solutions are the only fixes available to Mikel Arteta, but while the demands are high for increased Hale End involvement, the return of key players from injury will also help.

Thomas Partey is a gigantic miss in the centre of the park, boasting a range of abilities otherwise unseen in the rest of the squad, and while the midfield plays a big part in the club’s lack of potency in attack, the forwards simply haven’t produced consistently (at all) this term.

Having not kicked a ball for the senior side since March, the imminent return of Gabriel Martinelli is already being dubbed as the saving grace to Arsenal’s faltering season.

Playing 45 minutes for the youth side recently, the Brazilian is now in full training and expected to feature on Thursday evening for the Under-23’s as they host Leicester.

"“Gabriel Martinelli is very close to being available and fit to be part of us as well, which is great news. We will see what happens,” Arteta said on the official Arsenal website.“Gabi is pure enthusiasm, energy, belief, charisma and goals. He’s a player that we’ve been missing because he brings something special to the team. He’s contagious with his attitude and I think it’s going to be a big boost when we have him.”"

Arsenal fans have been slated for their adoration of Martinelli, such praise that many deem grossly excessive. It’s a trait all football supporters have, often to theirs and the players’ detriments, but Martinelli is different.

Noticeable from Arteta’s comments, he didn’t call for patience with Martinelli upon his return, instead insisting it will be a ‘big boost’ to have him available. Naturally patience is needed, not least for a 19-year-old who’s only played 26 matches for the club, but he too is under no illusions of just how talented the forward is.

Someone who can come short or go long, carry the ball at pace, attack crosses and create chances all on his own, Martinelli’s return couldn’t come sooner. Arsenal don’t have any of the above consistently.

Thankfully, they didn’t mess this one up and tied him down long-term.