Wilshere 'surprised' by Arteta's use of Arsenal star

Former Arsenal midfielder Jack Wilshere has admitted his surprise with how Mikel Arteta uses Gabriel Martinelli.

Gabriel Martinelli’s lack of action under Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta last season left Jack Wilshere ‘surprised’.

Despite a promising debut campaign, Martinelli struggled to get his big break last season. The forward made just seven starts in the Premier League after recovering from a knee injury. He also had to settle for a spot on the bench in key games, including all the Europa League knockout fixtures.

“I was surprised at times when Arsenal needed a goal, they needed something and he wasn’t thrown on,” Wilshere told Highbury Squad.

“He is that type of player who can do that. He arrives in the box.

“He always seems to be in the right place, at the right time. You cannot teach them things.”

Martinelli is currently in Japan for the 2020 Olympics for the Brazilian football team and hopes to feature against the Ivory Coast on Sunday in Group D.

The 20-year-old will then report back to Arsenal for the 2021/22 campaign, where he hopes to win over Arteta.

Ex-Gunners midfielder Wilshere added: “I feel he will only get better with experience of playing in the big games.

“I do think he is a player who will thrive off having the fans back. I remember the game at Chelsea when he scored that goal. He just got better and better as the game went on and the fans got behind him.

“I am excited to see more of him.”