Gabriel Martinelli

Gabriel Martinelli signed for Arsenal on July 2, 2019, from Brazilian club Ituano. The then 18-year-old forward joined the Premier League side after impressing in the lower divisions of Brazilian football. His move came as part of Arsenal's strategy to invest in young talent. Martinelli quickly became known for his work rate, technical skills, and goal-scoring abilities, which earned him a spot in the first team during his debut season. His signing was viewed as a coup for Arsenal, given his potential and performances for Ituano.

On October 24, 2019, Gabriel Martinelli scored a crucial goal and provided an assist in Arsenal's UEFA Europa League group stage victory over Vitória de Guimarães. His impressive performance helped Arsenal to secure a 3-2 win, maintaining their lead in the group. Martinelli's display highlighted his ability to perform on the European stage, enhancing his reputation as one of the promising young talents in football. His goal against Vitória de Guimarães was part of a streak where he became Arsenal's leading goalscorer that season.

On January 21, 2020, Gabriel Martinelli scored a memorable solo goal against Chelsea in a Premier League match at Stamford Bridge. After sprinting almost the entire length of the pitch, he calmly finished past the Chelsea goalkeeper to equalize the game. The match ended in a 2-2 draw, and Martinelli's goal was celebrated as one of the highlights of Arsenal's season. This performance further cemented his place in the Arsenal squad and showcased his composure, speed, and skill to a broad audience.

Gabriel Martinelli suffered a knee injury during a training session with Arsenal on June 21, 2020, which ruled him out for the remainder of the 2019-20 season. The young forward underwent surgery to repair a lesion in the cartilage of his left knee. This injury was a significant setback for Martinelli, who had been enjoying a breakthrough season with Arsenal. He had scored 10 goals in his debut season before the injury curtailed his progress. His rehabilitation was closely monitored, and Arsenal provided regular updates on his recovery.

Gabriel Martinelli made his highly anticipated return from injury on December 19, 2020, in a Premier League match against Everton. Although Arsenal lost 2-1, Martinelli's return was a positive sign for the club as he had been sidelined for several months recovering from knee surgery. His comeback was seen as an emotional and significant moment for both the player and fans, rekindling the high expectations and excitement surrounding his potential contribution to the team. Martinelli's resilience and determination during his recovery were widely praised.

Gabriel Martinelli played a key role in Arsenal's UEFA Europa League quarter-final first leg against Slavia Prague on April 8, 2021. Coming on as a substitute, Martinelli helped Arsenal secure a 1-1 draw with a lively and impactful performance. His energy and attacking threat were evident, providing Arsenal with a creative spark in the match's final stages. Martinelli's contribution highlighted his importance to the squad in crucial European fixtures, and his ability to change games with his direct style of play was on full display.

On May 9, 2021, Gabriel Martinelli scored and provided an assist in Arsenal's 3-1 victory over West Bromwich Albion in the Premier League. Martinelli's performance was crucial in keeping Arsenal's hopes of European qualification alive. His contributions in this match were a testament to his versatility and talent, playing a significant role both in terms of goal-scoring and playmaking. Martinelli's influence in the game underlined his potential to be a critical player for Arsenal in the coming seasons as they look to compete on multiple fronts.

On December 26, 2022, Gabriel Martinelli played a pivotal role in Arsenal's 3-1 victory over West Ham United in a Premier League match. Martinelli scored the second goal for Arsenal, showcasing his ability to perform in high-pressure situations. His pace and skill on the ball were instrumental in breaking down the opposition's defense. This victory continued Arsenal's strong performance in the league, and Martinelli's contribution was seen as crucial in their pursuit of a top-four finish for the season. His development into a consistent performer was evident.

Gabriel Martinelli scored a spectacular goal in Arsenal's narrow 1-0 win over Crystal Palace on August 13, 2023, in the Premier League. His decisive strike came after a well-executed attacking move, highlighting his growing importance in Arsenal's squad. Martinelli's goal helped Arsenal start their season on a strong note, with ambitions of challenging for the Premier League title. His ability to perform in critical moments and his technical skills were highly praised, showcasing his development as a key player for Arsenal under manager Mikel Arteta.

During Arsenal's UEFA Champions League group stage match against PSV Eindhoven on September 20, 2023, Gabriel Martinelli picked up a muscle injury. The injury was a setback for both Martinelli and Arsenal, as he had been a key player in their attacking lineup. Arsenal's medical team assessed the injury, and his condition was monitored closely to determine the duration of his absence. The injury occurred at a crucial time for Arsenal, who were competing in both the Premier League and the Champions League, where Martinelli's skills were sorely missed.