Arsenal attacker Gabriel Martinelli has claimed that Manchester United 'never wanted to sign him' despite undergoing four separate trials with the 20-time English champions.
The 20-year-old joined Arsenal from Ituano in July 2019 and has represented the Gunners on 70 occasions in all competitions, contributing 16 goals and nine assists in the process.
Martinelli has been a regular for Mikel Arteta's side this term, making 22 appearances, scoring four goals and registering three assists.
The Brazilian has revealed that he had four trials with Man United, but the club never signalled that they were interested in signing him.
"I actually had four different trials at United when I was 13, 14, 15 and 16," Martinelli told The Athletic. "This was in Manchester at the club's training base, where I played in the same age group as Mason Greenwood and Brandon Williams and I met first-team players, like Zlatan [Ibrahimovic], Paul Pogba, Wayne Rooney and Patrice Evra.
"There was never a moment, though, when they said they wanted me [to sign] there. But it gave me a taste and made the adaptation a little easier because I had experienced football in England. Even after those trials, I always believed in myself. My mind is always thinking, 'I can do it'."
Martinelli's current deal at the Emirates Stadium is due to run until June 2024, while the London club have the option of activating a one-year extension.
Matt Law
