Gabriel Martinelli has been one of Arsenal’s stars of the season so far following an electric start to the 2022/23 campaign with the Gunners.
The Brazilian has four goals and two assists as his side sit top of the Premier League following eight wins from their first nine games, in which he has become one of the key components in Mikel Arteta’s team as he continues to develop and mature at a frightening pace.
And that has only been highlighted further by former Arsenal goalkeeper and club legend David Seaman, who has revealed one of Martinelli’s key traits that hint towards a future captaincy in north London for the 21-year-old.
Seaman is still a key figure around Arsenal’s London Colney training base as he helps out with coaching some of the younger players, using his knowledge and experience to help develop the next generation of stars.
But speaking on his Seaman Says podcast, the former England international revealed an insight on the Brazilian. He said: “He’s a really nice guy. When I go in [to the club] he is always with the young lads, always around them and saying hello. So he’s a really nice guy and to see him performing how he is on the pitch is brilliant.”
Martinelli has been credited for how humble he is and how well-liked he’s become by everyone at the club. His small act of acknowledging the club’s youngsters, which many first team stars across all clubs are known for not doing, has also made a lasting impression.
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But it also hints that he can fulfil the qualities that are required to become a club captain. The Brazilian is only 21-years-old himself, but his role within Arsenal’s team so far this season has made him one of the most important players under Arteta.
Arsenal are currently in the midst of trying to get Martinelli to commit his long-term future to the club as a result of his impressive start to the campaign. The Brazilian’s contract runs out in 2024, but the Gunners know other teams will soon be lurking in the wings following his early season form.
Nothing has been agreed yet, however, with Martinelli wanting to become one of the highest earning players at the Emirates Stadium if he is to agree new terms, leaving Arsenal with plenty of work to do.
Nonetheless, the forward is seen as a player of the future in north London and tying him down to a new deal could set him on the path to perhaps one day becoming Arsenal’s new first team skipper.
Martinelli’s touch of class in interacting with the younger players also highlights the cultural shift at Arsenal in recent times, with Arteta employing a squad that is full of strong and positive characters that can help to build a crucial team spirit.
And that could well be Arsenal’s key element to success this season, with former players such as Mesut Ozil and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang proving how quickly toxic atmospheres can be built behind the scenes when things don’t go their way.
