Gabriel Martinelli has been training as a number nine for Arsenal ahead of their clash with Chelsea on Sunday.
What’s the story?
The Gunners take on their London rivals at 4.40pm in desperate need of a response after last week’s humbling Brentford defeat.
However, the club are suffering a mini striker crisis.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Alexandre Lacazette missed last week’s defeat because of covid-19. And while the Gabon international has returned to training, he only rejoined on Thursday.
Meanwhile, Eddie Nketiah is out for four weeks because of an ankle injury.
As a result, Arsenal need back-up options up front and Mikel Arteta has been trialling Martinelli in a central role.
On a video on their YouTube channel (as per football.london), the Brazil youth international can be seen operating in a central position.
Arsenal legend Martin Keown has labelled the 19-year-old the “next (Raheem) Sterling”.
Our View: Martinelli the obvious choice for Arsenal vs Chelsea
Last week was a struggle for Folarin Balogun in what was his Premier League debut.
The youngster had just 14 touches of the ball during almost an hour on the pitch.
And with the north Londoners facing the European champions this week, it would be a bad decision to start the 20-year-old again.
With a trio of options out, Martinelli is the obvious choice for Arsenal against Chelsea.
His tenacious nature coupled with potent finishing makes him a very good option indeed.
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