Arsenal winger Gabriel Martinelli spoke about his trials with Manchester United ahead of the first leg of the Champions League semi-final against Paris Saint-Germain on Tuesday.
The Brazil international signed for the Gunners from Ituano in the summer of 2019 and has proved a decent acquisition with 50 goals and 28 assists from 218 appearances.
He is presently a regular starter on the left wing for the London giants, but things could have paved differently for him had United taken up the opportunity to purchase him.
Martinelli had multiple trials with the Red Devils as a teenager, but the academy staff were not convinced.
Speaking in today’s press conference, the £47 million-rated star said he had a dream to play for the Red Devils, but it did not materialise.
He said (via football.london): “Everyone has to have their dreams. You dream to try and make it real.
“When I was 16, 17, 18 [at Man United] I thought it could be possible. Be the best I could be.”
Martinelli has emerged as a crucial player for the Gunners over the past few seasons.
He was superb during the 2022/23 campaign with 20 goal contributions for Mikel Arteta’s side but has not been able to recapture the form over the past couple of years.
Hence, United may not regret missing out on his services. The Red Devils have their own starlet in Alejandro Garnacho, who has a higher ceiling at 20 years of age.
The big question is whether the Argentina international will realise his potential at United. The club were actively looking to offload him during the winter transfer window.
The Athletic journalist David Ornstein has claimed that there is a high possibility that he could be sold in the summer.
Whatever happens, the Red Devils need to be proactive when it comes to identifying emerging talents with potential.
With manager Ruben Amorim’s track record of nurturing youth, we should see many more teenagers breaking into the first team.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com
