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Gabriel Martinelli has sent ‘big message’ to Unai Emery but has one ‘problem’ at Arsenal
Arsenal striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang could block the path of the exciting Gabriel Martinelli.
Arsenal: Aubameyang is a ‘problem’ for Martinelli says pundit
Gabriel Martinelli has sent a “big message” to Arsenal boss Unai Emery with his electric start with the Gunners, claims Martin Keown.
Martinelli, 18, joined Arsenal in the summer from Brazilian side Ituano for a fee of £6million.
The young striker has scored a brace on each of his first two starts for the club.
The latest was in the 4-0 Europa League win over Standard Liege on Thursday, where he also laid on a fine assist.
Aubameyang is his problem. If you take the goals away from Aubameyang this season, Arsenal would be 19th in the table
But Keown says an obstacle to his progression into the first team is Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, who has started the season strongly again in front of goal.
“[Martinelli’s] sent a big message though,” Keown said on BT Sport.
“A complete all-round performance, he’s 18 years of age.
“Aubameyang is his problem. If you take the goals away from Aubameyang this season, Arsenal would be 19th in the table. That’s how good he is.
“But that’s a nice problem for the manager because this fella’s knocking on the door.”
Former England striker Michael Owen was working alongside Keown and was impressed with Martinelli against Standard.
“Looks like a talent, yeah,” Owen said.
“I really like this lad. The ball has almost been prepared out wide and he’s there, he’s wanting to sort of get involved, which is good.
“Once he realises it’s about to come in, his shirt in focus to get back into the box is brilliant.
“He then nips in front, it’s always good to keep on the blind side of the defender.
“Keep the blind side and then last minute, just as the trigger’s about to be pulled… I really like the way he hid behind the defender, as soon as the trigger was about to be pulled, he nipped inside.
“Scoring from the corner of the six-yard box isn’t easy, brilliant finish.”