Arsenal news: Aubameyang explains why Martinelli will achieve “superstar” status
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has backed Arsenal teammate Gabriel Martinelli to go on and become a “superstar” after registering his first Premier League home goal against Sheffield United.
The 18-year-old Brazilian forward profited from Aubameyang serving a three-match domestic ban after being sent off at Crystal Palace last weekend.
Martinelli’s debut season: Five key things to know
- Gabriel Martinelli joined Arsenal from Ituano last summer for a reported £6m.
- The 18-year-old has since made 20 first team appearances, registering nine goals.
- Only leading marksman Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (14) scored more than him for Arsenal this term.
- The bulk of Martinelli’s goals have come in the Europa League (3) and EFL Cup (4).
- After scoring his first Premier League goal at home, Aubameyang declared that the youngster will become a “superstar”.
Martinelli, who has been making a name for himself in the Europa League, capped his fourth league start – and second at the Emirates Stadium – with a goal but Mikel Arteta’s men were not able to secure all three points as their Yorkshire visitors posted a late equaliser through John Fleck to share the spoils.
Despite dropping two points, it doesn’t take the gloss off what Martinelli is producing in his debut campaign. Since joining from Ituano last summer he’s registered nine goals in all competitions, making him the club’s second most prolific goalscorer behind Aubameyang.
The bulk of those (seven) have come across the Europa League and EFL Cup, but there’s now a feeling Martinelli will play a more significant role in Arsenal’s league matches, especially as he’s recently featured prominently when available.
Aubameyang, who has two more games of a suspension to serve before he will be able to add to his own tally, was in no doubt about Martinelli’s qualities and made a bold declaration on social media – as the game was still being played –by declaring: “Gabi’s gonna be a superstar. Not because of the goal because of the attitude energy and mindset.”
Arsenal are next in action on Tuesday evening when they visit Stamford Bridge to take on London rivals Chelsea, who suffered a surprise defeat at Newcastle.
