Gabriel Martinelli has praised Mikel Arteta for the way he’s handled his playing situation over the last year, adding that he continues to love Arsenal.
Gabriel Martinelli hasn’t always had the most consistent minutes over the last 12 months, facing competition for starts from Leandro Trossard last season, and new additions Eberechi Eze and Noni Madueke this campaign.
Yet despite the irregular starts he’s received from Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta, Martinelli insists that his relationship with the manager remains strong.
“Arteta has always been great with me,” Martinelli said. “When I wasn’t playing as much last season, I went to his office, and he reassured me that I would get my chance.
“I’m so happy that I took my chance when I got it. I really love this club.”
As for what’s next, Martinelli suggests the team only have one thing in mind – winning trophies.
“Arsenal is not about finishing fourth. Arsenal is about titles,” Martinelli insisted. “The league. The Champions League. That’s what the fans deserve.”
Once again, Arsenal are in a good position to fight for those titles this season. The Gunners are top of the Premier League, and they’ve won all three Champions League and League Cup fixtures so far.
But this is still very early in the season, and we’ve been here before. The team need to try and find a way over the line this time around.
Martinelli’s contributions have been helpful lately, despite his limited starts. The 24-year-old’s last four goals and assists for Arsenal have come in his last 214 minutes on the pitch, and he’s followed that up with one goal in one game for Brazil over the international break.
If the winger can keep taking his chances, he should earn a more regular role in the starting lineup again.