Gabriel Martinelli has been preparing for a big role change from Mikel Arteta. The Brazil forward has been taking the necessary steps to become Arsenal’s next starting striker.
It is imperative for the Gunners to sign a forward due to the shortages Arteta will face towards the end of the season. The north London side's disappointing 3-0 defeat against Crystal Palace on Monday night also highlighted a lack of quality in that position as Lacazette struggled to carry the burden single-handedly.
Martinelli has been tipped to be Arsenal’s next striker having previously played in that role. And it now may be the perfect time for Arteta to give the youngster a chance in leading the line and be tasked with scoring the goals.
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According to Evening Standard journalist Simon Collings, Martinelli has specifically worked on building his frame and estimates has put on around seven to eight kilograms since moving to England. That is largely down to employing a personal trainer, having gym equipment to use at home, and following a strict diet.
Martinelli’s threat in front of goal is undeniable, but the main concern with him leading the line is his ability to withstand the physical demands of playing in the centre forward role, as centre-backs are usually stronger built than full-backs. However, with Martinelli starting to bulk up this will help him lead the line, and hold up the ball against tough-tackling defenders.
With Alexandre Lacazette as the only recognised striker in the squad, football.london understands that Mikel Arteta has been training Martinelli as a potential forward in the case of the absence of the French forward. But after Lacazette’s disappointing performances recently, Martinelli could be given a chance as a striker regardless of the fitness of the current strikers at the club.
The Brazilian already played in a more central forward role earlier this season during the Gunners' 2-0 defeat against Chelsea at the Emirates stadium. However, his lack of impact in that match should not cloud over Arteta’s decision to play him there in the future, as the line-up against Chelsea was very weak due to injuries and the Covid-19 situation.
Despite struggling in the position before, Martinelli did prove a success as a centre forward during the 2019/20 season against Liverpool in the Carabao Cup, scoring a brace in an end-to-end 5-5 clash. He played so well in this match that he was endorsed by Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp, who described the 20-year-old as being an “Incredible striker.”
The 21-year-old scored four goals in 14 Premier League games this season, which was the same amount as Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang in identical games before he departed the club for Barcelona. This highlights that the Brazilian has the pedigree to play in that position.
If the suggestions from Arsenal’s latest social media video is to be believed, then Martinelli could well be in for a chance of transitioning into the forward role which he was always destined for. And the fact that he is taking the necessary steps in becoming the right fit for the position will give Arteta an extra alternative in the forward role.
