With the confirmed departure of Danny Welbeck, Arsenal will have only the elite duo, Alexandre Lacazette and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang along with Academy youngster, Eddie Nketiah in the striker position.
Aaron Ramsey’s Emirates exit will have a more significant impact on the team’s attacking lineup which could be doubled with Henrikh Mkhitaryan potentially leaving as well.
Given the competitive and demanding nature of the EPL or European football, the Arsenal striking force is believed to be insufficient to cover the entire season. For this reason, Unai Emery is believed to be on the hunt for more offensive talents while also giving the youngsters a fair shot.
Bukayo Saka has been impressive for the Under-23s and the youth ranks have been bolstered by the signing of one 17-year-old Gabriel Martinelli. The Brazilian wonderkid is due to come in from Ituano FC and will be turning 18 in June.
But what exactly will the young lad add to the team when there are already the likes of Saka, Reiss Nelson, Emile Smith Rowe and Xavier Amaechi gunning for one of the spots in the Arsenal senior side?
Head of International Recruitment, Francis Cagigao travelled more than once to Brazil to watch Martinelli play for the Campeonato Paulista outfit. He was said to be impressed with the winger and saw enough potential to pass his name up to Emery.
The teenage sensation is capable of playing in various attacking positions but he prefers to operate from the left flank, taking inspiration from his childhood idol, Cristiano Ronaldo. Martinelli is an adept dribbler with a keen eye for the opposition goal. He is quick with his feet and can exhaust defenders with his ridiculous pace on the wings.
He was Ituano’s top scorer with 6 goals which earned him the promotion to the senior side ahead of the 2019 Campeonato Paulista season. After his impressive displays this past season, he made it into the team of the year and was also named the best young player of the tournament.
The 18-year-old reeks of top-pedigree talent which has surprisingly gone under the radar of most European big guns. Now, we will have wait and see what Emery can make out of this outstanding South American prospect.
See Also: Arsenal Development Team/Squad
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