Arsenal

Martin Keown calls for Gabriel Martinelli to replace Aubameyang in Arsenal side

By Ben Knapton, Senior Reporter | 05 April 2021

Former Arsenal defender Martin Keown calls on Mikel Arteta to drop Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang for teenage starlet Gabriel Martinelli.

Arsenal legend Martin Keown believes that Gabriel Martinelli should be considered for starts on the left-hand side over Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.

Martinelli and Aubameyang have both cut frustrated figures this term, with the Gunners captain managing nine goals in 25 Premier League games, including just one from his last five.

Meanwhile, Martinelli has only managed seven top-flight appearances after overcoming a serious knee injury, and Keown believes that the 19-year-old should be earning more game time under Mikel Arteta in place of Aubameyang.

Speaking to the Daily Mail, Keown said: "Arteta has a big decision to make on his captain. He set an example by dropping Aubameyang for the North London derby recently. Aubameyang was supposed to start against Spurs but turned up late and was pulled.

"Should Arteta not be dropping him for performing as poorly as he did against Liverpool? If he sticks with him, he risks losing the respect of the group. It's time to bring in 19-year-old Gabriel Martinelli. He is too good to be sitting on the bench."

Martinelli burst onto the scene last season with 10 goals during his first campaign in England, but his only contribution in 11 appearances this season was an assist for Alexandre Lacazette in December's EFL Cup defeat to Manchester City.