Gabriel Martinelli wants Arsenal’s No14 shirt made famous by Thierry Henry after Aubameyang quits in Barcelona transfer
GABRIEL MARTINELLI wants Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s old Arsenal No14 shirt – made famous by Thierry Henry.
The Gunners hope Martinelli can be Aubameyang’s long-term successor after the club record-earner joined Barcelona on transfer deadline day.
And the Brazilian, currently No35, aims to ‘follow in his footsteps’ as manager Mikel Arteta assesses if he needs to splay out on more strikers in the summer.
Arteta said last month: “[Martinelli’s] overall understanding of the game is getting much better.
“He’s able to put some gears into his play.”
And long before the Gabon superstar’s sudden exit, Martinelli hailed the 32-year-old striker as almost his idol.
He said: “Of course, Auba is an incredible player. Not just a player, an incredible person.
“It’s a pleasure to have him in the team. He’s a guy who plays in my position.
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“I can look at him every day and try to learn as much as possible.
“And follow in his footsteps, he’s captain of the team, wearing shirt 14, which is a symbol of the club.
“I hope to have a bright future ahead at Arsenal.”
Martinelli’s form is certainly going in the right direction since Christmas.
And Liverpool chief Jurgen Klopp is one of his biggest admirers.
Klopp said: “Martinelli, by the way, everyone should remember that name. Outstanding player.”
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