Arsenal: Gabriel Martinelli reveals he dislikes taking the tube
Arsenal legend Ian Wright has been in contact with the Gunners’ teenage striker Gabriel Martinelli. Wright has revealed he has had text message conversations with the Brazilian to praise his performances for the north London side. Martinelli has had a fine start to his Arsenal career and Wright admits he is concerned his old side will not be able to keep hold of him long term.
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Martinelli has scored nine goals this season, including the goal in Arsenal’s 1-1 draw with Sheffield United on Saturday.
Wright says the forward contacted him through Instagram and he has been giving him advice and encouragement since.
“We just text and say ‘Well done’ and ‘Good movement, keep doing that, keep getting yourself in the box, keep making your near-post runs’,” Wright added.
“Sometimes you watch people and they do stop making those runs.
Arsenal transfer news: Ian Wright has been giving encouragement to Gabriel Martinelli (Image: GETTY)
“As an 18-year-old it’s just nice to hear people say ‘you’re doing very well, keep doing that, that was a great move, keep doing those things’.
“He got in touch on Instagram and then we went from there.”
Wright was also full of praise for Martinelli on Match of the Day on Saturday and reckons he can fill the void left by Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang while he serves his suspension.
“He’s somebody who Arsenal fans are very excited about,” the pundit said.
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“He had his eight goals, but none of them in the league until now.
“He’s somebody who is constantly trying to get in the box, you saw it today, he’s got great movement.
“When you look at him, he’s sharp, he’s trying to get into the box, making darting runs.
“He’s under a lot of pressure with Aubameyang not being available, everyone saying he’s got to come in and fill the boots for the game. I think he did.”