Former Arsenal midfielder Emmanuel Petit has called on Gabriel Martinelli to step up and prove he belongs at a top club like Arsenal.
Speaking to Ladbrokes during the launch of โGaffer of all Accas,โ Petit expressed his frustration with the Brazilian forward, stating that Martinelli has yet to show the consistency required to thrive at an ambitious club like Arsenal.
Petit highlighted the absence of Bukayo Saka as a major setback for Arsenal but noted it as an opportunity for other players, including Martinelli, to take on greater responsibility. โSaka being out for a few weeks is a huge blow โ but other players now need to come in, step up, and take on the responsibility.
Iโve been waiting for some players to reach a level, and Iโm quite frustrated, to be honest. Iโm still waiting for them to reach the next level. Iโm thinking about Gabriel Martinelli, for example,โ Petit said.
He acknowledged that Martinelli had a good performance against Crystal Palace recently but criticized the lack of consistency in his game. Comparing Martinelliโs development to that of Saka, Petit pointed out how Saka has improved significantly over the years to become one of the Premier Leagueโs best players, while Martinelli has yet to reach a similar level.
Petit also stressed the importance of strengthening the squad in the upcoming transfer window. โThe transfer market is opening soon, and they need to bring in fresh blood, different quality, and new energy,โ he stated.
According to Petit, Martinelli needs to rise to the challenge or risk being replaced, as Arsenal requires more depth and quality to compete with teams like Liverpool. โHonestly, do you think Martinelli would get into that Liverpool team? No. So how do you compete with that?โ
Petit criticized Arsenalโs reliance on a few key players and questioned the long-term viability of extending contracts for players who fail to meet the clubโs high standards. โRise up your level. Youโve been at the club for years now.
You have the chance to play for one of the best clubs in Europe. Take your responsibility. Or, if youโre not good enough, the club has to make a decision on you at the end of the season.โ
While Petit acknowledged Martinelliโs potential and past contributions, including his 15 goals in the 2022/23 season, he emphasized the need for Martinelli to show more consistency and impact on the pitch. โWeโve seen his quality in patches, but itโs not enough,โ Petit concluded, urging the 23-year-old to rise to the occasion and prove he belongs at Arsenal.
