Arsenal forward Gabriel Martinelli has not been afforded a lot of game time by manager Mikel Arteta at the start of this season.
The Brazilian started the first two matches against Brentford and Chelsea but he has been an unused substitute in the last five league fixtures, with his only other minutes coming in the Carabao Cup.
Fans on Twitter are very much split on what to do with Martinelli. Some want him to be given more time off the bench, others believe he needs to knuckle down and work harder, while a few feel a loan could prove beneficial:
Arteta doesn’t fancy Martinelli, because clearly there’s no reason why he shouldn’t get playing time
— Champion Owen (@Anko_Owen) October 12, 2021
Honestly I’d rather see him come of the bench than Pepe
— Ismail Ahmed (@IsmailAhmed1345) October 12, 2021
Yes, but maybe a loan in January is more likely
— 完已何（由右至左讀） (@NotJuniusHo) October 12, 2021
The jury is still out. He has lots to prove still. Not a starter for me.
— Pat McCabe (@Radinfintium) October 12, 2021
Very difficult to fit him in. Can’t drop Smith-Rowe or Saka. He just has to wait his chance and then show something. But the twice I have seen him this season he hasn’t been sensational, just average
— Hk (@Stealthgunner14) October 12, 2021
Yes he does, he’s got the talent and potential but he needs the game time otherwise we should loan him out
— Pingunoot92 (@pingunoot92) October 12, 2021
Let him recover fully, don’t rush the lad, his time will be there
— Hoppie (@TheePrinceMidas) October 12, 2021
I would like to see him start up top instead of Auba to be honest but Auba is the captain so it won’t happen. ESR odegaard and Saka take the slots behind the striker all day
— Matthew Powell (@MpowellMatthew) October 12, 2021
He needs a loan. He’s the natural replacement for Auba when he goes but until then his minutes will be limited. The system we’re currently playing doesn’t suit him unless he plays as a central striker
— TaxiG (@TGeorgeLDN) October 12, 2021
not ready yet, doesn’t seem to be improving.
— Rob (@robbiegun) October 12, 2021
Martinelli has been touted by many as having a very exciting future ahead of him. However, after an excellent first season at the Emirates, the 20-year-old’s development has stalled somewhat.
Picking up a bad knee injury didn’t help, while the competition for places in the forward line means he won’t be handed opportunities on a plate. The forward will be hoping to get another chance when the Gunners face Crystal Palace on Monday night.
