Is Gabriel Martinelli about to reach his full potential?

Arsenal fans have always known how high Gabriel Martinelli's ceiling is.

By Jonny Bray
The Brazillian winger has been impressing Gooners for several seasons now, but this year he has taken the next step towards becoming one of the world's best.
Neutrals and pundits alike are starting to take notice and with good reason.
Still only 20-years-old, Martinelli has taken a leading role in Mikel Arteta's attack this season and is now one of the most exciting prospects in the league.
But is he about to reach his full potential?
If he is, Arsenal will have another world-class player under the age of 25 on their books, but if not, it would be a real indictment on the club’s ability to develop talented young stars.

How far has he come this season

With ten games left of the season, Martinelli has already had his best ever campaign in terms of goals and assists.
He has found the back of the net five times in the league since the start of the season, as well as recording three assists.
Eight goal contributions in 19 appearances isn't bad for someone who is yet to celebrate their 21st birthday, and there is little doubt in the minds of Arsenal fans that this is just the start.
He's still got a way to go, having hit the woodwork three times and missed four big chances, but it is clear that the forward is becoming increasingly clinical over time.
Martinelli’s dribbling has always been sublime, but he's also improved both his crossing and decision making this season.
With Bukayo Saka on the other wing and Emile Smith Rowe showing he can play out wide or in midfield, all Arsenal need now is an elite level striker to complete an exciting forward line.

How good can he be?

Martinelli is as, if not more, talented than either Saka or Smith Rowe.
The Brazilian has also proven that he can come back from adversity, having recovered from injuries and poor form during his first few years at the club.
If he continues on this trajectory, then he could go on to be the main man for both club and country.
He has just been called up to the national senior squad for the first time, a good indicator of just how far he has come in a short space of time.
He may not have reached his full potential yet, but if given a few more seasons of first-team football, then the Brazillian could become an Arsenal legend.
He is close to becoming the finished article. Surely it is just a matter of time now?
Photo Credit: Getty Images

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