Mikel Arteta has told Arsenal’s official website that Gabriel Martinelli is so impressive in training that he brings ‘positive emotions’ to his teammates.
Martinelli has returned to full Arsenal training recently after a lengthy spell out with injury.
It seems that the Brazilian should be back available for selection sooner rather than later.
And Arteta admits that Martinelli could be an important player for Arsenal when he does make it off the treatment table.
“Gabi is another one that even in a moment of adversity, you see him training and everything he brings to the team, his energy, his passion, his motivation, is translating positive emotions to everybody,” Arteta said.
“He tries and goes and goes again and he wants to score a goal. He’s ruthless in training in every single action and the more players and staff you have to add that, at the end that gets translated to what happens on the football pitch and over time you will be stable.
“Gabi’s pressing brings something different to the team and we need players like him.”
Martinelli could well have an opening to break straight into Arsenal’s starting line-up when he does prove his fitness.
The Gunners are struggling badly for goals at the moment, and Martinelli has already proven that he has a knack of putting the ball in the back of the net, despite his tender years.
The teenager managed to make it into double figures for goals last term, and the hope is that his return will help to spark Arsenal back into life.
Arteta has tried Pierre Emerick Aubameyang, Alexandre Lacazette and Eddie Nketiah as Arsenal’s central striker this term, but none of the trio have really made the position their own, with their performances coming in for some criticism.
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