Gabriel Martinelli sends Mikel Arteta message over first-team action

Arsenal youngster Gabriel Martinelli has insisted that he is now ready for more first-team football.

The 19-year-old has made a positive impression for the Gunners since arriving from Ituano in 2019, scoring 10 times and providing five assists in 33 appearances in all competitions.

Martinelli has only recently recovered from a serious knee injury, though, and has also recently spent time on the sidelines with an ankle issue.

The teenager has made two Premier League appearances for Arsenal since the end of December but has now sent a clear message to head coach Mikel Arteta as he targets regular action.

"I'm very timid. It was really crazy! But now I'm adapted," Martinelli told ESPN. "I'm feeling very good. I don't feel any more pain on my knee and this is the most important thing. I'm ready when Mikel needs me."

The attacker is yet to score in seven appearances for the Gunners this term.