Arsenal forward Gabriel Martinelli has reportedly been training as a number nine, with Mikel Arteta prepared to use him as a central striker.
The 20-year-old has enjoyed a run of games in the Gunners' first team this season, scoring four goals and registering three assists in 22 appearances across all competitions.
The vast majority of Martinelli's appearances this term have been on the left wing; however, Football London, via the Daily Mail, reports that the Brazilian has been playing as a striker in training sessions at London Colney.
Following the departure of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang to Barcelona in January, Arteta is left with Alexandre Lacazette and Eddie Nketiah as his two natural number nines for the rest of the season.
The futures of both players, however, remain uncertain as they will see their contracts expire in the summer.
With Martinelli tied down at the Emirates Stadium until June 2025, Arteta believes the youngster could be deployed as a central striker on a permanent basis in years to come.
Oliver Thomas
