‘Exceptional’: Mikel Arteta lavishes praise on Arsenal man who could actually be left out against Leicester

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The saying, when one door closes another one opens, couldn’t be more apt when it comes to young Arsenal forward, Gabriel Martinelli.

Martinelli has been given his chance with Arsenal in recent weeks and months and has played wide left and through the middle. It comes in the wake of the club moving on from Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, who was shifted out to Barcelona on a free to allow the Gunners youngsters to flourish.

The decision from Mikel Arteta has proven a successful one. Martinelli has scored five goals since December, and was on the scoresheet in fine fashion in the win at Watford last weekend. And according to Arteta, the young Brazilian has been impressing him with his all-round game lately.

“Gabi’s playing a different position because Auba played more as a 9 in his last few months. He certainly has the capacity to score goals and be a threat in the final third. His contribution and all round game has been exceptional,” Arteta told his pre-match presser.

Interestingly, though, Martinelli could well be a player who misses out this weekend. Emile Smith Rowe is back in contention, and Martinelli might find himself back on the bench with both Odegaard and Saka, as well as Lacazette, considered undroppable as things stand.

TBR’s View: Martinelli A Shining Light At Arsenal

As well as the goal threat, the big thing you get from Gabi Martinelli is work-ethic and a need and want to impress.

Since he was given his chance fully, he has seized it with both hands and in among a team of impressive young players, has had moments where he’s looked a class above. We are talking about a seriously talented young man.

Arteta’s comments are a nice nod to Martinelli. However, the Brazilian will want to keep his place in the XI and he’ll hope that Smith Rowe is forced to bide his time for now.