Arsenal’s Gabriel Martinelli Welcomes New Competition as Club Eyes Summer Signings
In the world of football, competition is the name of the game, and Gabriel Martinelli of Arsenal is embracing it with open arms. As the summer transfer window approaches, Martinelli has expressed his support for Arsenal’s plans to strengthen their attacking lineup. The Brazilian forward is not only open to the idea but also welcomes the challenge that new arrivals would bring to the team.
According to sources close to ESPN, Arsenal is actively seeking to add a striker to their roster at the end of the current season. Additionally, the club is considering a move for a winger, with Athletic Club‘s Nico Williams emerging as one of their top targets. This strategic move comes as Arsenal prepares to face Paris Saint-Germain in the first leg of the Champions League semifinal on Tuesday, a competition they have yet to win in their storied history.
Despite their impressive performances, the Gunners have narrowly missed out on the Premier League title, finishing in second place for the third consecutive season. This year, they have scored 17 goals fewer than the champions, Liverpool. It’s clear that manager Mikel Arteta is keen on bolstering the team’s attacking prowess to bridge this gap.
When asked about the potential pressure from these speculations, Martinelli responded with confidence, saying, “We play for Arsenal — it’s a competition every day. The club wants to have the best players in the world, because it is one of the biggest in the world as well. We are used to it.”
Martinelli’s perspective on the need for attacking reinforcements is equally positive. “We are a big club. We need to have the best players. I will be really happy when we have big players coming to the team,” he stated. His words reflect a mature understanding of the competitive nature of top-tier football and the constant drive for improvement.
Having joined Arsenal in July 2019 from Brazilian club Ituano for a £7 million fee, Martinelli has two years remaining on his current contract. He has consistently expressed his contentment with life at the club, saying, “I always said that I am really happy here. This is my home. I love to be here. I love the club.”
Martinelli’s gratitude extends beyond the pitch, as he acknowledges the club’s role in his personal development. “The club has given me so much, not just on the pitch, but off the pitch as well. I have improved a lot with the club — of course, on the pitch is important, but off the pitch as well. The club has been amazing with me, the people that are around the club, the fans, everything. I am really happy here,” he added.
As Arsenal prepares for their third-ever appearance in the Champions League semifinals, Martinelli is acutely aware of the significance of the upcoming match against PSG. “It’s a dream to be here,” he admitted. “Since I started to play football, when I was five or six, I had this dream to be playing in the Champions League and to be in a semifinal is amazing.”
For Martinelli, and indeed for any footballer, playing in such high-stakes games is the culmination of years of hard work and dedication. “Everyone that loves football would love to be playing in these kinds of games. Everyone has to have their dreams. You dream to try to make it real,” he concluded.
- Arsenal is targeting a striker and possibly a winger this summer.
- Nico Williams from Athletic Club is among their leading targets.
- Arsenal faces PSG in the Champions League semifinal.
- The Gunners have finished second in the Premier League for three consecutive seasons.
- Martinelli has two years left on his contract with Arsenal.
Originally Written by: James Olley
