Paul Merson says Arsenal have a ‘£50m’ player who’s like a new signing

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Paul Merson has told Sky Sports that Arsenal have a very special talent in Gabriel Martinelli, labelling the forward a £50 million player for the Gunners if he can stay fit.

Martinelli has been in stunning form of late. The Brazilian, of course, went into this campaign off the back of a frustrating spell. He only managed to make seven starts in the Premier League last season.

He has already matched that tally this time around. And he has made the most of the opportunity that has come his way, with four goals and two assists coming in his last six games.

The latest brace came at the weekend as Arsenal thrashed Leeds 4-1 at Elland Road. Martinelli was simply irresistible against the Whites, with two brilliant finishes. And Merson suggested that he could be their wildcard in the race for the top four.

“Martinelli is a very special talent. I like him, but the question is: how long is he going to be fit for? If he can maintain his fitness, Arsenal have got a new signing – a £50m player,” he told Sky Sports.

£50m may not come close to covering what Arsenal would value Gabriel Martinelli at

Martinelli certainly appears to have possession of the shirt right now. That is a remarkable feat given that it is Emile Smith Rowe who is probably the next name in the pecking order.

Smith Rowe will get back in the side in one position or another in the near future. But actually, Martinelli’s record is remarkable. He averages a goal every 206 minutes in his Premier League career.

When you consider that he made his debut at 18 and his spell has been interrupted by injury, it is outstanding. He has also not played that often in the central striker role. And many of his appearances have come from the bench.

Obviously, Martinelli may go through trickier patches. But there is no question that it is frightening to think what sort of level he could reach.

£50 million may not come close to covering it.