Martin Keown identifies where Arsenal teen Gabriel Martinelli can improve

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Martin Keown has identified where Arsenal wonderkid Gabriel Martinelli can improve despite his fifth goal for the Gunners, during BT Sport’s coverage of Arsenal’s 3-2 win over Vitoria Guimaraes on Thursday night.

Arsenal signed Martinelli, 18, from Brazilian side Ituano for £6.5million (The Sun) and little was made about his capture. Many believed the youngster would play for the under-23 side to begin with, before breaking into the senior set-up.

However, Arsenal’s number 45 has now netted five goals in just three starts for the Gunners – while also making three substitute appearances in the Premier League for Arsenal. He scored Arsenal’s first against Vitoria on Thursday night.

Arsenal legend Keown was full of praise for Martinelli but did state that the attacker is guilty of trying to do too much at times, and would be better off keeping possession with a pass to a teammate.

“If I was playing against him, I would be quite happy to see him out wide,” Keown said. “When he stays central, he makes really good movements. He’s got that exuberance of a young player.

“He maybe wants to do too much, at one time. But when he stays central and makes those moves, he’s definitely going to be a top player. £6.5million by the way, that is a great bit of business.”

TBR’s view – How much is Martinelli worth now?

Bought for such a small price, Martinelli is earning rave reviews for his performances in the Carabao Cup and the Europa League – churning out performances expected of a player in his twenties.

He is already worth much more than his price tag, simply by joining Arsenal. But his stunning form surely makes him indispensable for Arsenal right now, unless an offer of an enormous value comes in.