Martin Keown explains problem Arsenal star Gabriel Martinelli has got

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Martin Keown has told BT Sport that Arsenal’s newest star Gabriel Martinelli has a problem at the north London club, and it comes in the form of the Gunners’ top scorer Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.

Martinelli, 18, joined Arsenal for £6million in the summer from Brazilian side Ituano. He has since made three appearances for the senior side, his debut being a substitute appearance for six minutes in the Premier League against Newcastle United.

He started in the Carabao Cup against Nottingham Forest and found the back of the net on two occasions, before doing exactly the same on Thursday night. An excellent header and a superb right-footed effort took his tally to four for the season.

Arsenal legend Keown discussed Martinelli, and claims he has a “problem” in Aubameyang, who is preventing him from getting a chance in the Premier League from the off. He claims, though, that Martinelli will be giving Unai Emery a headache.

“Aubameyang is his [Martinelli] problem,” Keown said. “If you take away the goals that Aubameyang has scored this season, Arsenal would be 19th in the table. That shows just how good he is.

“But it is a nice problem for the manager because this fella is knocking on the door.”

TBR’s view – Will Martinelli be made to wait by Arsenal and Emery?

Unfortunately, yes. Aubameyang is in world class form again, while Alexandre Lacazette is said to return from injury at some point this month. It is difficult enough for Emery to combine the duo – let alone Martinelli too.

Martinelli’s best hope is Arsenal remaining in the Europa League for as long as possible, as well as continuing to shine in the Carabao Cup and the FA Cup, while making the odd substitute appearance in the Premier League.

Emery must keep Martinelli sweet, and continue to give the Brazilian assurances that his development is a long-term project.