Arsenal youngster Gabriel Martinelli has been compared to Gunners icon Thierry Henry after being spotted playing as a striker in training.
football.london understands that the Brazilian has been leading the line in regular training sessions as Mikel Arteta attempts to find a long-term position for him.
Following the January exit of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, only Alexandre Lacazette and Eddie Nketiah remain as the club’s striking options - although the pair could be set to wave goodbye at the end of the season with their respective deals set to come to a conclusion.
Martinelli then could be a future option for the Gunners and that decision has been given a glowing endorsement by former Premier League forward Gabriel Agbonlahor, who has likened Martinelli to Henry.
Asked by Football Insider whether the Brazilian could forge a career as a striker, he replied: “100 per cent, yes.
“He looks like that sort of number nine who will drift out wide from the centre and make runs behind defenders and be a menace.
“He can finish too. I think he’s got everything to be a number nine.
“Then you can fit Nicolas Pepe on one wing and Bukayo Saka on the other. It definitely works, for me.
“Lacazette doesn’t offer enough agility and speed to play as Arsenal’s number nine at the moment.
“Martinelli can be like Henry and Henry did it all. I don’t see why Martinelli can start in the centre and drift out wide. He’s got it all as a centre-forward.”
Martinelli has so far made 22 appearances for Arsenal so far this season and has notched four goals, as well as three assists.
He will unfortunately not be available for the Gunners’ next Premier League game against Brentford at the weekend as he serves suspension for his red card in the win at Wolverhampton Wanderers.
