Back to the Soccer Newsfeed

Mikel Arteta Calls for Gabriel Martinelli Patience: 'We Have to Bring Him Down'

Harriet Lander/Copa/Getty Images

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has said he doesn't want to put too much pressure on young forward Gabriel Martinelli following his excellent start to life at the Emirates Stadium.

The Gunners signed the Brazilian from Ituano in the summer, and he was anticipated to play a minor role in north London this season. However, Martinelli has made rapid progress, culminating in a brilliant solo goal in his side's 2-2 draw with Chelsea in the Premier League on Tuesday.

Speaking ahead of Arsenal's meeting with Bournemouth in the FA Cup fourth round on Monday, Arteta said he's wary of demanding too much, too soon from the 18-year-old, per FourFourTwo:

"I would like to talk about potential, more than what it is at the moment, because for him there is still a long way.