Arsenal forward Gabriel Martinelli believes new striker Viktor Gyökeres has what it takes to make history at the Emirates, and he’s ready to play a key role in helping the Swedish forward shatter club records.
Speaking after Arsenal’s latest outing, Martinelli underlined just how highly the dressing room rates the summer arrival:
“We’re going to give him the ball as much as possible to make him score 30, 40 goals a season,” Martinelli said. “We are really happy with him. We trust him. With Martin [Ødegaard] behind us, he’s always looking for the run. Viktor likes to attack the box, and he’s one of the top strikers in the world. I believe he can score 40 goals in a season.”
It’s no small prediction. Should Gyökeres reach the 40-goal mark Martinelli envisions, he would eclipse Thierry Henry’s iconic 39-goal haul from the Invincibles campaign in 2003–04. That would place him just behind Ted Drake’s all-time club record of 44 goals in the 1934–35 season, a feat untouched for 90 years. Even Robin van Persie’s 37-goal masterclass in 2011–12 could be left in the dust.
For Arsenal, Gyökeres’ arrival has brought a focal point that seems to be revitalizing the team’s attacking play, with Ødegaard’s vision and Martinelli’s energy offering the perfect supply lines. And while much of the spotlight is on the Swede, Martinelli himself has quietly begun to find form again.
The Brazilian, who endured a frustrating spell of inconsistency last season, is eager to cement his place back in Mikel Arteta’s starting XI.
“I want to play. I want to start every single game. I’m going to help the team as much as possible,” he admitted. “The manager is the one that takes the decision. We have to respect him. When I have the opportunity, I always try to give my best.”
That hunger has been reflected on the pitch. Martinelli has notched four goal contributions in his last four games across all competitions, often drifting into central areas rather than hugging the touchline as he once did. The tactical shift could be key to both his resurgence and Arsenal’s newfound fluidity in attack.
With Gyökeres hungry for goals, Ødegaard pulling the strings, and Martinelli showing signs of his explosive best, Arsenal’s frontline suddenly looks like it could produce something historic.
The only question now is whether Martinelli’s bold prediction for Gyökeres becomes reality, and whether his own redemption arc will run in parallel with Arsenal’s chase for silverware.
