Gabriel Martinelli has been given the opportunity in the Arsenal first team of late and has justified his selection with two strong performances. Scoring a goal in the 2-0 win over Newcastle and recording an assist against Manchester United at Old Trafford, the Brazilian has hit form.
Mikel Arteta had been reluctant to select the 20-year-old after he returned from a serious knee injury suffered at the start of the pandemic’s impact on the game in 2019. Yet his bright showings for Arsenal have seen plenty of requests from fans to see him gain greater involvement.
However, it appears the former Ituano man has now usurped Nicolas Pepe in the pecking order for the wide right and left wings. Fans will be hoping to see the Brazilian feature yet again on Monday as Arsenal face Everton at Goodison Park.
Although, the red half of Merseyside may be watching with great intrigue too and in particular Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp.
The German coach has previously spoken of his admiration for Martinelli. Describing him as ‘unbelievable.’
"He’s really unbelievable. So young, looks so mature already, is a proper threat. Yeah, he looks like a really decent player,” said Klopp speaking to Brazilian TV channel Esporte Interativo in 2019.
"But I didn’t want to put any backpack [pressure] on his back with this thing [his earlier remarks] but I just really like good football players and obviously he’s a very good one."
The famous Liverpool attacking trio of Sadio Mane, Roberto Firmino and Mohamed Salah still look at the peak of their powers however are all reaching the latter stages of their careers. Both wingers are 29 whilst the Brazilian has just turned 30.
Diogo Jota, 25, was brought in during the 2020 window to provide cover for the three across the front line.
Given Klopp’s admiration for Martinelli and the 20-year-old’s own versatility to play on either flank and as a central striker, the possibility of the Reds’ boss chasing his signature in the future is a very real one.
Signing a new deal last year, Arsenal will be thankful that Martinelli now has at least until 2024, with the option to extend for a further year included.
Should he continue his development, technical director Edu, Arteta and head of football operations Richard Garlick will be motivated to get a further renewal sorted.
However, the lack of regular game time seen under the Spanish coach would surely need to drastically change in order to convince Martinelli that Arsenal remains the best place for him to be. If he would be considered for Liverpool, there is surely no greater assurance he should be playing for Arsenal.
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