Gabriel Martinelli has indicated his is prepared to fight for his future at Arsenal despite growing competition for a place in the starting XI.
The Brazil international has regularly been Mikel Arteta’s first-choice option on the left of attack, battling Leandro Trossard for minutes with a return of 10 goals and six assists last season.
The Gunners made huge additions to their attack in the summer with Viktor Gyokeres arriving from Sporting CP to lead the attack.
Noni Madueke was brought in from Chelsea to provide cover and competition for Bukayo Saka on the right but also offer another option on the left.
Eberechi Eze meanwhile made the trip across the capital from Crystal Palace, another option on that side of the pitch.
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Martinelli was linked with a move away from the Emirates during the summer transfer window with Saudi side Al-Nassr among the clubs interested in his services.
Arsenal were reportedly open to selling the 24-year-old but a huge asking price of £60m was deemed too high – with interested parties valuing him closer to £40m.
With neither Rodrygo or Vinicius Jr in the squad, Martinelli started for his country last week against Chile and will be hoping to do the same tonight against Bolivia.
Used to competition for both club and country, the winger insists he is comfortable with the challenge at hand in north London.
‘Regarding Arsenal, it’s like here in the national team, Martinelli said. ‘If you ask me if it’s good to have Vini or Rodrygo in the national team, I’ll definitely say yes.
‘Because he’ll help the team to win titles. And if we want to win, we need quality players.
‘It’s the same with Arsenal. I’m very happy with Eze and Madueke’s arrival as well. Trosarrd also plays on the left side.
‘So, we’re very happy when we have quality players by our side. We have a lot of matches in the season. A lot of things can happen, injuries, etc.
‘So, we’re happy for the club to be looking for the best players in the league so we can try to win.’
Trossard is another competing for a role in Arteta’s attack with Arsenal rejecting an offer from Besiktas for the Belgium international.
