What I saw from Gabriel Martinelli vs Inter Milan changed my mind about his Arsenal future

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Arsenal’s lack of cutting edge in the final third was their undoing against Inter Milan in the San Siro.

Arsenal fell to a 1-0 Champions League defeat against the Italian giants on Wednesday evening. 

The North London club enjoyed plenty of possession and territory in this match. Arsenal recorded 20 shots for the first time in the Champions League since 2006. 

However, despite this dominance, the Gunners were still unable to find the back of the net, as their attacking players lacked a killer instinct in front of goal.

• READ MORE: Everything to know on Arsenal’s Gabriel Martinelli from girlfriend to £218k car

Major Gabriel Martinelli flaw clear in Arsenal vs Inter Milan

Gabriel Martinelli was not the only Arsenal player to be guilty of failing to be clinical against Inter Milan. 

After all, Leandro Trossard produced another poor performance, and Kai Havertz, Bukayo Saka, and Gabriel Jesus all also failed to score. 

However, one aspect of the Brazilian winger’s performance truly held Mikel Arteta’s team back. 

All too often when he received the ball, Martinelli was hesitant and lacked conviction when it came to his next action. He was guilty of telegraphing his intentions, and lacking boldness on the ball.

Martinelli got angry with Arsenal teammate Trossard at one stage, after the Belgian attacker unleashed a wild shot from range in the first half, but the 23-year-old needs to reassess his own approach to the game and perhaps become less cautious with his own play.

Does Mikel Arteta need to give up on Martinelli?

Martinelli has been far from his best for some time. There can be no denying his talent, and the blistering pace and flair that he possesses ought to make him a real weapon for Arsenal.

The truth, though, is that the winger is simply not delivering for the North London club. 

Arteta now needs to take Martinelli out of the firing line, and even consider his long-term future at the Emirates Stadium. The Gunners are aiming to land major silverware, and can’t afford to carry any passengers on that mission.

Raheem Sterling can come in for him on the left, whilst Trossard will also compete for minutes in that part of the pitch, with Martin Odegaard now back in action after his return in the Champions League. 

Martinelli loves playing for Arsenal, and has endeared himself to fans of the club. However, all the signs are suggesting that he is not of the level that Arsenal require, and time is running out for the 14-cap Brazil international to prove his worth.