Arsenal’s dynamic winger Gabriel Martinelli showcased his flair for Brazil during their final match of the October 2025 international break, igniting a passionate plea from Gunners fans directed at manager Mikel Arteta. The 24-year-old, who plies his trade for Arsenal wearing the number 11 shirt, delivered a standout performance against Japan, prompting fans to demand a tactical rethink to unlock his full potential at the Emirates.
Martinelli, a product of Brazil’s Ituano academy, is not a regular starter under Brazil’s manager Carlo Ancelotti. However, when given the opportunity to shine, he rarely disappoints. In Brazil’s clash against Japan on Tuesday, Martinelli earned a rare start, sparking excitement among Arsenal fans who hoped to see him deployed as a central striker. While Vinicius Jr. ultimately occupied the central role, Martinelli operated in his familiar left-wing position—but with a twist. He was granted the freedom to drift centrally and make incisive runs into the box, a tactical tweak that paid dividends when he found the back of the net.
The goal, a clinical finish following a well-timed run into a central area, highlighted Martinelli’s ability to thrive in more advanced, central positions. Although Brazil ultimately fell to Japan, Martinelli’s contribution put Arsenal fans on notice, with many taking to social media to urge Arteta to replicate this approach at club level. The consensus among supporters is clear: Martinelli’s effectiveness is being underutilized, and Arteta must adapt to maximize the Brazilian’s unique skill set.
Arsenal Fans’ Unified Call for Change
The sight of Martinelli thriving in a central role sparked a wave of excitement among Arsenal supporters, who flooded platforms like X with messages imploring Arteta to grant the forward more freedom in the final third. Fans pointed to his goal against Japan as evidence of his potential to wreak havoc when allowed to operate in central spaces, rather than being confined to the touchline as a traditional winger.
One passionate Arsenal fan posted on X: “Martinelli starting and finishing in central spaces to devastating effect against a compact low block—sound familiar? We’re wasting his potential by keeping him pinned to the wing. He’s got the instincts of a baby Luis Suarez!” Another supporter echoed this sentiment, writing: “This false-nine role Martinelli’s playing for Brazil is unlocking a new level of his game. Arteta, please, no more touchline winger duties—let him roam centrally!”
Others were even more emphatic. “Martinelli at striker is a different beast altogether,” one fan exclaimed. “His movement, his finishing—it’s elite. Why are we limiting him to the sidelines?” Another Gooner proposed a bold tactical shift, stating: “Arteta needs to play Martinelli through the middle as a center-forward. Pair him with Havertz in a more advanced midfield role, either as an 8 or a 10, and watch him dominate. His runs into central areas are too good to ignore.”
The chorus of voices calling for Martinelli to be unleashed in a central role reflects a growing frustration among fans who believe his current deployment on the left flank, while effective at times, fails to harness his full attacking prowess.
Why Martinelli Thrives in Central Spaces
Martinelli’s performance for Brazil isn’t the only evidence supporting the fans’ case. This season, both of his goals for Arsenal—against Athletic Club and Manchester City—came from moments where he made intelligent, central runs from his starting position on the left. These strikes underline his ability to exploit space in the box, combining sharp movement with clinical finishing to punish defenders.
While Martinelli has proven himself as a capable left winger, his skill set suggests he could be even more dangerous with greater freedom to drift inside. His pace, dribbling ability, and knack for making well-timed runs make him a nightmare for opposition defenses, particularly when he’s allowed to operate in the channels or as a central forward. Additionally, Martinelli’s work rate out of possession is a significant asset, as he diligently supports Arsenal’s left-back, allowing the team to maintain defensive solidity even when he ventures into central areas.
The Brazilian’s versatility offers Arteta a wealth of tactical options. With players like Declan Rice, Riccardo Calafiori, and Eberechi Eze capable of drifting wide to stretch defenses, Arsenal have the personnel to create space for Martinelli to exploit centrally. This flexibility could be key in breaking down stubborn, low-block defenses—a challenge Arsenal have faced in recent seasons.
A Tactical Evolution for Arsenal?
Arteta has built a reputation as a meticulous tactician, but fans believe it’s time for him to evolve his approach with Martinelli. The 24-year-old’s ability to impact games from central positions, as demonstrated for both club and country, suggests he could be the answer to Arsenal’s need for a consistent goal-scoring threat. While Kai Havertz has performed admirably as a false nine, Martinelli’s dynamism and finishing ability could add a new dimension to Arsenal’s attack.
The fans’ demands are not without precedent. Modern football has seen wingers successfully transition to central roles, with players like Thierry Henry and Cristiano Ronaldo redefining their careers by moving inside. Martinelli, with his blend of speed, intelligence, and goal-scoring instinct, could follow a similar path if given the opportunity.
As Arsenal prepare for a grueling run of fixtures in the Premier League and beyond, Arteta would be wise to heed the calls of the fanbase. Martinelli’s performances, both domestically and internationally, provide compelling evidence that his future lies in central areas. Whether deployed as a false nine, a traditional striker, or a hybrid attacker with the freedom to roam, the Brazilian has the tools to become a game-changer for the Gunners.
Looking Ahead
With Arsenal’s squad brimming with talent and versatility, the coming weeks offer Arteta the perfect opportunity to experiment with Martinelli in a more central role. The Brazilian’s ability to combine with teammates like Rice, Eze, and Calafiori could unlock new attacking patterns, making Arsenal’s frontline even more unpredictable.
For now, Arsenal fans will continue to champion their cause, hoping Arteta takes note of Martinelli’s exploits for Brazil and his goal-scoring instincts in key matches. If the Gunners’ boss can find a way to integrate Martinelli’s central runs into his tactical setup, Arsenal could unleash a new attacking force capable of propelling them to greater heights in the 2025/26 season.
