Arsenal XI when Gabriel Martinelli made his debut shows how much has changed, just one teammate remains

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Gabriel Martinelli’s future at Arsenal is uncertain this summer.

Arsenal are yet to open contract talks with Martinelli and whilst his deal runs until 2027, there is more urgency surrounding Bukayo Saka and William Saliba.

The Brazilian winger has struggled for consistency during the last two seasons and Barcelona are interested in Martinelli this summer should a move for Marcus Rashford prove too difficult.

Martin Odegaard is a big fan of Martinelli and selling him would be a huge call by Mikel Arteta, especially given that he is one of the club’s longest serving players.

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Arsenal XI on Gabriel Martinelli’s debut

Martinelli made his Arsenal debut back in August 2019 at St James’s Park, as Unai Emery’s side beat Newcastle 1-0 thanks to Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.

A measure of how far the club has come under Arteta is proven by the fact that just one player remains at the club from the squad that day – Martinelli came on from the substitutes’ bench.

Reiss Nelson started the game at left wing and was subsequently replaced in that position by the Brazilian international, Arsenal are now willing to sell Nelson with Fulham interested.

Joe Willock now plays for the side the Gunners came up against on the day, whilst Henrikh Mkhitaryan has just lost out in the Champions League final for Inter Milan.

Martinelli’s progression since that day has been incredible and still at just 23 years of age, the forward can still be a key factor in the club ending their trophy drought next season.

Gabriel Martinelli’s Arsenal career

Martinelli may be a victim of having too much success too early in his career. He burst on to the scene during his first season in North London, scoring ten goals in all competitions.

His best season came in the 2022-23 campaign, where his 15 goals almost snatched Arsenal their first Premier League title since 2004.

He has failed to hit those heights in the last two seasons however, the winger did show signs following his hamstring injury that he was becoming sharper and finding his feet once again.

Ray Parlour prefers Martinelli over Rodrygo and whilst it is imperative that Arsenal do sign another wide option this summer, they should not be giving up on the talents of the 23-year-old just yet.