by Gabriel Martinelli lived up to Jurgen Klopp’s glowing pre-match endorsement yesterday as he terrorized Liverpool in a 3-2 win over Arsenal.
And the news today that he is officially starting talks over a new deal will come as no surprise after his latest dazzling performance in a string of stunning displays so far this season.
Arsenal took the lead inside the first minute after a quick counter-attack ended with Martin Ødegaard sliding in Martinelli to give the Gunners an early lead. It was a cool finish that had the Emirates rocking.
Martinelli was then involved again in Arsenal’s second goal as he cut down the left wing before cutting back and playing the ball to Bucayo Saka, who put Arsenal back in front just before half-time.
Martinelli still has less than two years left on the contract he signed in the summer of 2020, but the Brazilian has proven this season that he deserves an improved contract to reflect his growing influence in this team.
Martinelli himself has said he is keen to commit to the Gunners, saying: “Of course I want to stay. It’s my best season. I’m so happy.”
And his highlights from last night’s win will only serve to whet the appetite of fans eager to see him write in fresh terms as he terrorized Trent Alexander-Arnold and Joe Gomez down Liverpool’s right.
This will no doubt be music to the ears of Arsenal fans as the 21-year-old Brazilian winger has been one of the club’s best performers so far this term, scoring four and providing two assists in the opening nine games of the Premier League season.
One fan tweeted: “You hear that Klopp. He belongs in this team.” Klopp has openly expressed his admiration for Martinelli in the past on several occasions, including in his pre-match press conference.
Another person happily tweeted “it’s on N5 and passed”.
And a third made the point that Martinelli should now be considered a “generational talent”.
Arsenal have made a good start to 2022/23, taking 24 points from a possible 27 and sitting well at the top of the Premier League.
One of the reasons for their success to this point has been the form of Martinelli, who has been in electric form since the first ball was thrown this season. The Brazil international will be hoping to maintain this good form in order to secure a place in Brazil’s World Cup squad next month.
