Arsenal: Where does Gabriel Martinelli fit in next season?

Putting all the anguish of the previous season behind, the coming campaign is one to be excited about. There are plenty of reasons for the complete opposite, granted, but the likes of Gabriel Martinelli paint a brighter future at Arsenal.

Before the season kicks off in three weeks there is the small matter of four transfers to aim for, as well as significantly more sales to sanction. So in that sense, worry might be the primary emotion.

The kids are alright, though. They’re more than alright. Bukayo Saka is a burdened with glorious purpose, Emile Smith Rowe has a ceiling not visible from earth and Martinelli is electric. That’s three names to get the blood pumping.

But might it only be two?

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Should Gabriel Martinelli be worried about his chances at Arsenal under Mikel Arteta next season with possible new transfers this summer and a disrupted pre-season?

Being called up to the Brazilian national team for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics at the last minute will have been a huge honour for the 20-year-old. He’d never shied away from his dream to play for the Selecao and while not as prestigious in the footballing world, the Olympics are still a major event.

Andre Jardine’s side blew Germany away 4-2 in their opening game. An outstanding result missing one key ingredient: Martinelli. He didn’t even make the bench.

If he isn’t going to be chosen then it’s a real shame. Off the back of a troubling season, this time of the year would have been perfect for him to gain minutes ahead of a huge eight months personally.

It can also be viewed as his version of pre-season, but it’s not the same as being involved with Mikel Arteta and the group and getting up to speed within the Arsenal environment before Brentford away on August 14.

Fans already questioned the amount of minutes he earned under the manager last season. Of course, so much of 2020/21 was blighted by a long-term knee injury, one that required surgery and kept him out of action for 30 matches. Shortly after returning there was another minor calf problem, and then an ankle issue.

His setback was a serious one and had to be monitored accordingly. While Arteta did that, when it was felt he was fit as a fiddle he was still left to feed on scraps late in matches. He made use of those outings: hungry, full of frantic energy, direct and imposing.

As pre-season drifts by with him in Japan, Brazil’s success may well push his Arsenal return back. Martinelli will not want to waste any time, such is his appetite, and if he plays no minutes there will be no need for an extended break. His preparations will have just taken place overseas. He’ll want to play immediately and if he’s benched all tournament then he could be ready to fire straight away.

But where does he fit in?

Continued…