Romano reveals latest on Martinelli future after stunning Arsenal impact

Gabriel Martinelli silenced his detractors with a stunning impact off the bench for Arsenal in Tuesday’s Champions League opener.

The Brazil international has faced plenty of criticism over the past season or two due to his lack of attacking output. Mikel Arteta shackled Martinelli somewhat due to his preference for risk-averse football.

The situation culminated in the summer with the 24-year-old being ostensibly usurped by Eberechi Eze, who re-joined his boyhood club after establishing himself as one of England’s most exciting attackers.

This signalled a shift in Arteta’s approach, with the Spaniard now favouring a more direct attack. Given Martinelli’s evolution from an exciting winger into a more functional, restrained attacker, questions have been raised about his future at Arsenal.

Speculation has been further stoked by reports that the Gunners were open to offers for him in the summer and that they would have sold him at the right price. With his deal up in 2027 and no extension talks taking place, many believe that this could be his final season at the Emirates.

Martinelli back with a vengeance

However, Martinelli showed on Tuesday that he is still a force to be reckoned with. Coming on as a substitute in place of Eze, the Brazilian made an impact within seconds, scoring the opening goal in a tense clash with Athletic Club.

15 minutes later, Martinelli helped to seal the match by setting up Leandro Trossard for Arsenal’s second goal. The two substitutes’ game-changing influence illustrated the frankly absurd depth Arteta now has at his disposal.

Martinelli’s performance could have a liberating effect and help him rediscover his more daring side. He will clearly have a big role to play this season, and suggestions that he will definitely leave in 2026 appear premature.

According to Fabrizio Romano, Arsenal are ‘very happy’ with Martinelli and impressed with his ‘top mentality,’ suggesting that nobody is giving a departure any thought this early in the campaign.

“Very happy,” Romano told GIVEMESPORT when quizzed about Arsenal’s internal view on the winger. “Top mentality, coming off the bench in a fantastic way. Arsenal are very happy with Gabriel.”

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