I almost snubbed my dream Premier League transfer but when Arsenal called I couldn't say no

Gabriel Martinelli has opened up on how he completed his dream transfer to Arsenal. The 22-year-old winger joined the Gunners from Ituano in July 2019 after some impressive performances against the likes Palmeiras, Santos and Ponte Preta caught the attention of a scout.

According to Johnathan Vidalle, the scout who discovered the teenage sensation, there were doubts over his mentality, but Arsenal persisted and forked out £6million for his signature. Despite joining from a fourth-tier side in Brazil, Martinelli hit the ground running and netted 10 goals in his debut season.

He struggled the following campaign, but suddenly burst into life during Mikel Arteta's first full term in the dugout. Martinelli hasn't looked back since and now he's leading the Gunners into second successive Premier League title race.

However, it could have been all so different had he continued to block the outside noise. In an interview with the official Arsenal website, Martinelli revealed that his father and agent advised him to 'leave all the rumours to one side'.

That was until the north Londoners picked up the phone and informed the Brazilian of their interest. The Gunners ace said: «I remember I was getting a run of games and I spoke to my dad, who told me to leave all the rumours to one side as it won’t do me any favours.

»Just concentrate on playing well and see what happens afterwards. I also spoke to my agents who were of the same opinion. I finished off the season, I had to make my decision before a game against Guarani.

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«I was told that Arsenal wanted to sign me