Gabriel Martinelli has indicated his desire to be starting for Arsenal as he sent manager Mikel Arteta a subtle message.
The Brazilian forward has been ruled out for much of the campaign through injury, but recently returned to the side after months of setbacks.
Martinelli scored in the Gunners’ 3-0 away win versus Sheffield United last month and was on target once again on Wednesday evening during the 3-1 triumph over Crystal Palace.
Despite only being on the pitch for the final 12 minutes of the match at Selhurst Park, the 19-year-old provided fans with another reminder of his quality.
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With one Premier League match remaining, Martinelli has hinted why he should be featuring on a more regular basis by sharing the following statistic on his Instagram story:
“Arsenal have never lost a Premier League game in which a teenager has scored in (P60 W50 D10).”
Speaking after the Gunners’ victory at Selhurst Park, Arteta provided an update on how near Martinelli is to securing a regular place in the starting-eleven.
“Very close. He needs to keep fighting to be closer and closer,” said the Arsenal boss.
“We need to understand where the boys are in the phase of their development and what they have done already this season and last season.”
Willing to hand out opportunities to youngsters when the time is right, Arteta reiterated that Arsenal are leading the way in this department in comparison to other Premier League clubs.
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“I know that we want to play with 11 academy players under 20, but guys, who is doing that? He questioned.
“We are doing more than anybody and they are going to have the chances, they are earning their chances, it’s not like we are giving [away] the chances.
“They are earning the chances and it’s a joy to have them with us.”