Under pressure Arsenal star warned fate is in his own hands

Gabriel Martinelli has a chance to seal his Arsenal fate this season.

Since racking up 15 goals and six assists in the 2022-23 campaign, he has not looked the same player.

Some argue that after that season, Mikel Arteta shifted away from the free flowing football that once brought out the best in the Brazilian, opting instead for a more possession based approach. Even so, given Martinelli’s technical ability and the fact that he has been at the club since 2019, he should by now have adapted to Arsenal’s evolving style. Is Martinelli a Scapegoat or Victim of Arteta’s system?

Whether he has or has not, it has now emerged that this is a make or break season.

According to the BBC, Arsenal, who resisted selling him in the summer and would only have done so at a profit, are hoping he can rediscover his brilliance this term.

Last chance saloon

Just as was the case against Manchester United and Liverpool, Martinelli looks set to be handed opportunities to prove himself.

Though he failed to impress in those outings, and with capable alternatives waiting in the wings, he will need to seize every opportunity with both hands.

Because if he does not, the BBC claims, “It is accepted that Martinelli is one of a few players in the Arsenal squad who the club could sell for a sizable fee following a summer of investment.”

Having splashed out heavily in the last window, Arsenal are expected to sanction some sales to balance the books.

Sacrifices were always on the cards, there was even talk of cashing in on Ben White, though he ultimately stayed.

Next summer, the pressure to offload a top talent will be real.