Arteta backs Gabriel Martinelli to succeed at Arsenal

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has backed Gabriel Martinelli to build on his career and eventually succeed at Arsenal. The youngster has struggled for playing time this campaign.

Martinelli signed for Arsenal in 2019 from boyhood club Ituano. The Brazilian played mainly on the wing for Ituano and retained the position on his arrival at Arsenal. At first, he was a regular for the Gunners, mainly in domestic competitions, appearing 26 times and scoring 10 goals.

Gabriel Martinelli for Arsenal last season.. • 26 games (15 starts).• 10 goals/ 4 assists. • 2 MOTM• Arsenal goal of the season. • First teenager to hit double figures since Anelka in 1998-99. Don’t count him off yet.. 🇧🇷👏 pic.twitter.com/RWHsrce7w3

— F R E D (@_InvincibleFred) March 16, 2021

But he has failed to break into the first team this season, with Nicolas Pepe and summer arrival Willian being preferred ahead of him. Martinelli's long-term injury also left him sidelined for about six months, causing him to miss the majority of the opening half of the season for Arsenal.

Martinelli made his return from injury in December last year. His first appearance came for the Arsenal U-21 side in their 3-0 defeat to AFC Wimbledon. He played for the senior team just over a week later.

Since then, he has barely been utilized by Arteta. Martinelli has been an unused substitute in 10 out of the 14 games he has been included in the squad for Arsenal.

The rapidly developing Bukayo Saka, academy graduate Emile Smith Rowe and January arrival Martin Odegaard have sent Martinelli further down the pecking order for attacking spots at Arsenal.

Martinelli could therefore be forced to play a more central role as he continues his career at the Emirates. Training session videos have shown Martinelli to be practicing playing as a striker, according to football.london.

Martinelli has been taking individual sessions - a non-compulsory option - with Arteta holding the view that he has the potential to play as a centre forward long-termhttps://t.co/wd6ip5omjD

— Chris Wheatley (@ChrisWheatley_) March 18, 2021

Fortunately for Martinelli, he has already been introduced to the role under former Arsenal manager Unai Emery. With his pace and trickery coupled with his heightened positional sense, the Brazilian shouldn't find the transition difficult.

Martinelli will get his chances at Arsenal: Arteta

Arsenal v Chelsea - Premier League

martinelli at LW: 5 G/A in 14 appearances martinelli at RW: 1 assist in 2 appearances martinelli at CF: 8 G/A in 9 appearances 👁 pic.twitter.com/Cl47f98HQt

— amy (@aej11x) March 18, 2021

Mikel Arteta has said he takes the blame for Martinelli's lack of game time this campaign. Arteta also commended the youngster's professionalism and urged him to be patient.

"If anything it’s my fault," Arteta told reporters ahead of Thursday's Europa League match against Olympiakos. "He’s done everything perfectly, he trains incredibly well every day, and his attitude couldn’t be better."

"He’s really disappointed that he’s not playing more obviously, and I have spoken to him, but he needs to be a little bit patient. He had a few minutes, he had some games as well, and it’s true that the competition for the front places is very tough."

"He needs to be patient, and he will get his chance."