Mikel Arteta: Martinelli must do “the most difficult thing” to end goal drought

The Brazil international has struggled for consistency in his performances this season.

Mikel Arteta has backed Gabriel Martinelli to regain his best form by improving his “composure and timing” inside the box.

Having registered 15 goals and five assists last season, Martinelli was set to provide Arsenal with goalscoring consistency in the current campaign. However, the 22-year-old has found the back of the net only twice this season, raising concerns about an apparent dip in his confidence.

Speaking in a pre-match press conference ahead of Arsenal’s upcoming match against West Ham, Arteta insisted that he’s not worried about Martinelli’s mentality.

“Confidence is not a problem for Martinelli. Sometimes he needs to put the break down or lift his head up and make that decision for everybody,” the Spaniard said.

“That’s the most difficult thing to do, finding that composure and timing inside the box. But lack of confidence is not going to be an issue for him.”

Despite having the likes of Martinelli and Gabriel Jesus in their ranks, Arsenal are monitoring the market for a new striker this winter. Ivan Toney remains the club’s main target for the position, while Dominic Solanke and Ollie Watkins are also being watched by the Premier League leaders.