Scouts were ‘enchanted’ by Arsenal star during Manchester City draw

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Scouts from one national team were left wowed by one Arsenal star’s performance against Manchester City.

With the 2026 World Cup fast approaching, every player will be desperate to impress enough to make the squad for the tournament.

Several Arsenal players were on international duty in September, with some impressing their respective coaches more than others. 

During Arsenal’s recent draw against Manchester City, members of Brazil’s national team coaching staff were present, scouting those in action during the fixture. 

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Gabriel Martinelli blew Brazil scouts away during Arsenal vs Man City

Representatives of Carlo Ancelotti’s coaching staff in attendance at the Emirates had the chance to review Gabriel Martinelli, Gabriel Magalhaes and Savinho. 

Paul Clement, Luigi La Sala, Francesco Mauri, analyst Simone Montanaro and fitness coach Mino Fulco had the job of ‘player observation’ during the contest.

One player unsurprisingly stood out to those in the stands, as Brazilian outlet Mais que um Jogo confirmed. 

The report noted that Ancelotti’s staff left the Emirates having been ‘enchanted’ by Martinelli.

The Brazilian was described as a striker rather than a winger, as Martinelli’s tremendous goal against Man City was celebrated. 

Mais que um Jogo insisted that the 24-year-old ‘remains in Ancelotti’s sights’, mentioning the importance of impressive form amid huge competition in the Brazil squad.

Martinelli set out to impress his manager above all, but he did far more than that, answering his critics and giving Ancelotti’s staff a positive message to take back to Brazil. 

Perfect time for Martinelli to impress Carlo Ancelotti 

Martinelli faces a challenge to get into Arsenal’s starting XI, just as he does for his country, as competition against the likes of Raphinha, Vinicius Junior, and Rodrygo isn’t easy. 

That being said, right now, Martinelli is in a better position than the Real Madrid duo, who haven’t entirely convinced Xabi Alonso thus far this season. 

Vinicius was benched for Real Madrid’s Champions League opener, while Rodrygo has earned just one start so far in La Liga this term.

A shot at resurgence for club and country is on for Martinelli, with the end goal being making the 2026 World Cup squad.