‘No doubt’: Mikel Arteta says Arsenal have a youngster with the capacity to start games

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Mikel Arteta has insisted that he has no doubt that Gabriel Martinelli has the capacity to start Premier League games for Arsenal when asked whether the forward is seen as an impact substitute for the time-being – in comments reported by Football London.

Martinelli has been a fan favourite throughout his time at the Emirates. However, that has not tempted Arteta to rely on him too much throughout his tenure.

He did start the opening two games of this season. However, he has only made four substitute appearances since.

Of course, he made the most of his latest opportunity. He scored an outrageous goal in the 2-0 win over Newcastle at the weekend.

Arteta was asked whether Martinelli is best off remaining out of the starting lineup for the time-being. And after insisting that Arsenal know what they are doing with the 20-year-old, it was put to him that he is seen simply as an impact substitute for now.

“We have such a young team and we have to find the right pathway, with the right timing within the pathway, because it can look in a very different way. It’s very clear what we want to do with Gabby. His determination is absolutely top and he will continue to do that,” he said, as reported by Football London, when asked about Martinelli.

“He has the capacity to start games no doubt about that,” he added, when it was suggested that he was an impact substitute for now.

Martinelli needs to force Arteta’s hand when he gets minutes for Arsenal

It is around a year since Emile Smith Rowe forced his way into Arteta’s plans. He got an opportunity as the Gunners toiled in the Premier League.

And he made the most of it.

In truth, Martinelli would surely be a first-team regular by now if it was not for a long-term injury.

With that in mind, Arteta may be wary of asking too much of him too soon. But the forward is now back threatening to emulate Smith Rowe.

So it should come as little surprise if that wait for another start does not go on much longer.