Arsenal: 4 players who need to improve this season

3. Gabriel Martinelli

Gabriel Martinelli’s dad spoke out recently to dispel any notion of the Brazilian leaving on loan in the upcoming January window, talk which has unsurprisingly emerged given the lack of minutes for the youngster this season.

"“No chance of him going to Corinthians or any other Brazilian club,” João Martinelli said. “Since he came back from an injury, he’s been playing a lot less than he’d have liked. There have even been some proposals from Europe, but Arsenal have already warned that they’ll not release him.” “People like him a lot. Not only for what he plays, but also for his dedication. Martinelli is almost always the first to arrive for training and the last to leave.”"

He absolutely can’t leave in January with two forwards departing for AFCON, and by the time that window opens he could have accrued his fair share of minutes in the Premier League. When the games come around every three days his presence will be greatly needed.

And when it does, he needs to be doing better.

Martinelli is guilty of not getting his head up enough. This spell without regular playing time is having an impact on his performances in a very noticeable way: he is trying too hard to make an impression, taking shots when he shouldn’t and shunning sensible passing options.

But he’s also only 20 years old. The burning desire to be on the scoresheet is natural for someone in his position, and simplifying his game will see him return to the levels he can hit. When his chances come (which they will), he’s got to take them.

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