Mikel Arteta claims youngster is gonna be a key player for Arsenal

Gabriel Martinelli is getting back to full fitness.

The 19-year old forward has huge potential and can be an important player for the Gunners claims manager Mikel Arteta.

The youngster has been nibbling with injuries and only made a few substitute appearances over the recent weeks.

But Arteta believes he would play a more significant role for the North London club in the days to come.

“We know that he’s got a huge potential and he’s done some really good things since he’s come back,” Arteta said.

“He has a lot of things to develop in his game because of course at his age it’s normal. He came here from a different league and physically it’s much more demanding than the Spanish league.

“He got injured, he wanted to get back, he got back and then he got injured again, so his rhythm has been in and out. He hasn’t had a pre-season and he hasn’t had the type of that is needed for such a change.

“Then it’s probably anxiety from being so willing to do well and to feel important because he’s a big signing. All those things add up and he broke down again, so we have to be patient now and he needs to recover properly because he’s going to be key for us.”

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