Gabriel Martinelli is relishing the challenge of fresh competition in Arsenal's attacking ranks as Mikel Arteta's men chase Premier League and Champions League glory
Gabriel Martinelli says Arsenal’s trophy-hungry players are ready to deliver “big things” from the biggest season of their lives. The Gunners are top of the Premier League, have a 100 per cent record in the Champions League and are eyeing major silverware.
Brazil star Martinelli also says that, if winning the title and European glory was not motivation enough, then most of the squad are also driven by the chance of playing in next year’s World Cup. Arsenal have not won the title since the Invincibles season of 2004, they have never won the European Cup and Arsenal’s huge squad of international stars will surely never have a better chance.
Martinelli said: “We really believe that we are going to achieve big things this season. We have an amazing group with really good players so we trust in ourselves.
“We play for Arsenal. We want to win titles - the Premier League, the FA Cup, the League Cup and the Champions League.
“I’m trying my best. I always have and I will keep doing that, it’s a big season and we want to win titles. The World Cup is coming up as well so everyone wants to play and give your best.”
Arsenal have been in the title race and finished runners-up in each of the past three seasons and found themselves chasing Liverpool throughout last year’s campaign.
Gunners boss Mikel Arteta’s men put themselves top of the table this time and they face Crystal Palace on Sunday hoping to maintain their lead.
But Martinelli warned that, from their experiences of leading the way, it can often be easier to get to the top - and the hard bit is staying there.
Martinelli said: “It’s easier to get there, but it’s more complicated to stay there so we are going to work on that. This is what we are working for.
“But we have an amazing team, amazing fans and we are going to give our best. We play for Arsenal, we like to play alongside the good players and we are happy.”
Martinelli has earned the respect of his Arsenal and Brazil teammates and the fans alike for always showing an incredible mentality. Brazil are certain to be among the favourites with England and Spain - featuring a host of Arsenal stars - in the World Cup next year.
His determination to keep his place for club and country in the face of fierce competition has been a motivational force rather than something that has initiated him.
Martinelli scored and was outstanding against Atletico Madrid in the Champions League in midweek while he has scored big goals from the bench against Manchester City and Athletic Bilbao earlier in the campaign.
The Gunners winger is up against the likes of Rodrygo and Vinicius Junior for Brazil while Eberechi Eze has only heightened the competition with Leandro Trossard at club level.
But Martinelli said: "You play for Arsenal, it’s like the international team for me because we have Vini, Rodrygo and Raphinha, so many good players and I can’t complain.
“I need to be thankful for having those players alongside me. I’m trying my best. I’ve been trying to give my best on and off the pitch. I just want to play, have the freedom to play and show my talent.”
BLESSEDSONKINGSLEY
10
I just like the fact that he re-emphasized that “It can often be easier to get to the top of EPL Table but it’s hard & complicated to stay there”…. That’s the energy Arsenal are lacking because they are always under pressure as the heat keeps mounting from other title contenders but personally, I think they can win the EPL this season with all the quality players and their squad depth in every position is second to none…:💯✅