Why Gabriel Martinelli will be licking his lips at rumour now coming from Manchester United

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Arsenal No.11 Gabriel Martinelli often struggles when it comes to facing Manchester United.

The Brazil international is yet to score against the Red Devils in seven Premier League appearances ever since his £6m move from Ituano back in July 2019 – with only two assists to show for his efforts.

Arsenal have – at least – won four and drawn one of these seven games.

Now – however – Gabriel Martinelli will be licking his lips at a rumour coming from Old Trafford, as clashes against Manchester United could soon become a prospect to look forward to for the South American…

Gabriel Martinelli will hope Manchester United sign Juanlu Sanchez

A story from AS in Spain states that Manchester United are now competing against Real Madrid to sign Juanlu Sanchez from Sevilla, after the right-back impressed for Spain at the Olympic Games, winning a gold medal.

The Red Devils have just sold Aaron Wan-Bissaka to West Ham, and are on the lookout for a new right-back.

So, why would this rumour please Martinelli?

Well, the Brazilian completely tore Sanchez apart in the UEFA Champions League last season, dribbling past the Sevilla No.26 eight times – nobody had tormented an opponent so badly in any of the last eight UEFA Champions League campaigns, according to the Daily Mail.

In fact, Martinelli humiliated the Spaniard so tremendously, that Matthew Upson even said he had a little chuckle to himself while covering the game for BBC Radio 5 Live.

Goals from Bukayo Saka and Leandro Trossard handed Arsenal a 2-0 win in this particular UEFA Champions League clash back in November 2023.

Arsenal No.11 will need to shine to get a start

Assuming Manchester United find a way to sign Sanchez by January 2025 or the summer transfer window, Mikel Arteta might even look to replace Martinelli before he can face the Sevilla defender.

There are strong rumours that Arsenal want to sign Nico Williams from Athletic Bilbao – a player who operates on the left flank, like Martinelli.

The Spain international is currently one of the best players around after shining at UEFA Euro 2024, so if the 22-year-old did join the Gunners, he would surely be a starter.