Charlie Nicholas expects big things from Arsenal’s Gabriel Martinelli versus Frankfurt

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Former Arsenal midfielder Charlie Nicholas expects young striker Gabriel Martinelli to ‘shine’ against Eintracht Frankfurt in the Europa League tonight.

As per Sky Sports, Nicholas is a fan of the Brazilian, 18, who has been impressive when handed opportunities in the cup competitions since his summer arrival at the Emirates Stadium.

He said: “I look at the schedule of what Emery normally does. Gabriel Martinelli, Bukayo Saka, Dani Ceballos and Joe Willock will play. The hardest part will be the crowd. I don’t think there will be one at all. It will only be if they want to see the younger guys.

“Arsenal will win, but only by the enthusiasm of the youngsters. Martinelli has a great thing going for him so I think he will shine. As usual, there will be goals.”

TBR’s View – Martinelli one of the brightest spots of Arsenal’s season

There was plenty of buzz around Arsenal’s summer signings and at that stage, Martinelli was one of the most underwhelming, seen perhaps as one for the future.

But he has been impressive every time he has played, getting himself on the scoresheet more often than not.

It’s a shame for him that Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Alexandre Lacazette are so good and established, or he would be playing more in the Premier League. His time will come, however, if he keeps playing like this.