Exciting player would be like a 'new signing' for Arsenal

Martinelli has brought in needed freshness to the Arsenal lineup over recent weeks and could be like a new signing next season, claims Owen.

Michael Owen believes Gabriel Martinelli will be ‘like a new signing’ for Arsenal next season.

The young Brazilian started the campaign with a serious knee injury which ruled him out of 11 Premier League matches.

He is now back in the first team and registered an assist as Arsenal beat Newcastle 2-0 at the weekend. Injuries and illness to Lacazette and Aubameyang over recent weeks has seen the teenager more often upfront. In his latest outing against Newcastle, he out in yet another impressive that would have left Mikel Arteta with much to think about.

Official: Gabriel Martinelli has been awarded Man of the Match for his performance against Newcastle this afternoon. [Sky] #afc pic.twitter.com/Uu3OQyBbmr
— afcstuff (@afcstuff) May 2, 2021

After Mohamed Elneny opened the scoring for the Gunners, Martinelli sent in a great first-time cross for Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang to double their lead.

The goal put Arsenal in the driving seat at St James’ Park and they went on to gain all three points.

Speaking after the win, Owen told Premier League Productions (via Express): “They’ve got a lot of good young players haven’t they Arsenal.

“I like these players that actually find half a yard and cross it early. As a centre-forward, that’s exactly what you want.

“I hate players that go to cross, cut back, then cut back again and you don’t know when to run.

“But you see, first-time crosses, the defence can’t get set, goalkeeper can’t get set properly.

“[Martinelli] has played centrally so he knows that’s what you prefer as a centre-forward. It was a brilliant ball to round it off.”

When asked if having Martinelli fully fit for next season would be like a new signing, Owen continued: “I think so. I think Mikel Arteta is going to start building his team now around some of these young players.”

Martinelli had an impressive breakthrough campaign during 2019/20. He scored ten goals in all competitions, including three in the Premier League and three in the Europa League. Injuries might have stopped him in his tracks this term but he could fully get chances with the first team next term.