Mikel Arteta can elevate Gabriel Martinelli’s game at Arsenal by repeating the same trick he used with Bukayo Saka and Emile Smith Rowe.
Ever since the Hale End academy graduates switched squad numbers and were handed a more important squad role, they have become two of the most key players for the north London side.
Martinelli, who arrived at the Emirates in 2019 for £6 million, could be the next youngster in line to enjoy a similar transformation after the number 14 became available following Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s move to Barcelona.
Arsenal are in desperate need of a potential goalscorer and giving Martinell such an iconic number could influence his game similar to how it worked for Saka and Smith Rowe.
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After his breakthrough season in 2019/20, where he scored five goals and made 11 assists, Saka was rewarded with a new long-term contract and handed the number seven shirt. It is a jersey he has worn with pride as he attempts to follow in the footsteps of the late, great Rocky Rocastle.
Since being given the number seven, he has gone on to be in the top five for appearances made for Arsenal before turning 20, meaning he is above Arsenal legends such as Rocastle and Liam Brady.
This was topped off by being nominated for the 2021 Kopa trophy which has been previously won by the likes of French star Kylian Mbappe, after having an incredibly successful European Championships with England showing how much his game has elevated in the last two seasons.
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Smith Rowe has been following a similar pattern to Saka, as The Englishman signed a new contract in the summer and was handed the number 10 shirt, highlighting the belief in him from the club.
This season is yet to reach its halfway point but Smith Rowe already has the same amount of goal contributions in the Premier League as he did over the whole campaign of last season.
The 21-year-old received his first international call-up by Gareth Southgate ahead of the November international break, where he made his first appearance and scored on his debut against San Marino. Just like Saka, the elevation in his performances since being given more responsibility has been clear.
Martinelli has previously admitted that he would like to wear the number 14 shirt, and now he has an excellent opportunity to make his wish come true.
“I want to follow into Aubameyang’s footsteps, he’s a captain, he wears the number 14 shirt. That is a symbol for this club and of course, I hope to be very successful at Arsenal,” Gabi said.
Arsenal require fresh ideas due to Alexandre Lacazette and Eddie Nketiah being the only senior strikers currently at the club, but the two players have recorded just three open play goals between them in the Premier League this campaign.
If Martinelli is handed the same shirt number once worn by the legendary Thierry Henry and he has the same impact that Saka and Smith Rowe did, then Arsenal would have an excellent answer to their attacking issues.
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