“He can destroy any team, if he gets injured, Arsenal title hope is gone”- Liverpool Boss Jurgen Klopp was full of praise for Arsenal’s 24 years old star performance last night and admits he’s impressed by the player this season- Not Saka, Not Declan Rice and not Trossard
Arsenal star was utilised as a centre-forward during Tuesday’s training session with the Brazilian national squad. The 22-year-old has been deployed on the left wing during the majority of his time with the Gunners, featuring just 16 times through the middle, as per Transfermarkt, the majority of those coming during Unai Emery’s time with the club.
But videos from Brazil’s most recent training session have now shown that Selecao head coach Fernando Diniz appeared to test the talented youngster out as a striker in training on Tuesday. Martinelli looked like he was operating at the tip of a 4-2-3-1 system, ahead of Real Madrid duo Vinicius Jr and Rodrigo, as well as Barcelona wideman Raphinha.
If the former Ituano starlet proved to be a success as the frontman, it would be excellent news for Arsenal, who have been linked with a move for a new striker in recent times. Brentford star Ivan Toney has been mooted as a potential target for Mikel Arteta’s side, with the England international reportedly valued at around £100million by the Bees.
Gunners legend Martin Keown has previously advised Arteta to give Martinelli a chance up top. Speaking about the young forward earlier this year, Keown told BT Sport: “I believe, strongly believe, that he’s a natural goalscorer.
“I would have thought actually the central position is his natural position. But from the left, we now get inside forwards.
“We saw this with [Mohamed] Salah and [Sadio] Mane, particularly when they played together as a pair, just tucking in, because Saka’s doing the same thing. So they get a bit more freedom.
“But put him in the middle and he will score goals. I think he’s about to prove that tonight. He’s got everything in his game.”
