Leeds and Middlesbrough were looking to bolster their strike forces over the summer, with both clubs identifying Ituano forward Gabriel Martinelli as a potential target.
Martinelli eventually signed for Premier League giants Arsenal for a fee in the region of £7 million in the summer, meaning Middlesbrough and Leeds had to turn their attention to other targets.
Leeds boss Marcelo Bielsa opted for fellow Arsenal forward Eddie Nketiah on loan, who has impressed so far in his cameo appearances at Elland Road. Whereas Jonathan Woodgate opted to stick with his options already at his disposal.
Martinelli was handed a start in the Gunners’ Europa League clash with Standard Liege at The Emirates on Thursday evening, and he managed to score two on his European debut, as well as setting up Arsenal’s fourth in their 4-0 win.
It is rumoured former Middlesbrough star Juninho Paulista recommended Martinelli to his former club through their scouting network, given he is the Club President of the the forwards former side Ituano in his native Brazil.
Boro were in pole position to sign the teenager in the summer, but the pull of Premier League football posed a more attraction option, and it seems to be paying off.
Martinelli made his English top tier debut on the opening day of the season, coming on for the final six minutes in Arsenal’s 1-0 win at St. James’ Park. Since then he has scored four goals in two games for the North London side, two on his Carabao Cup debut against Nottingham Forest, and two on Thursday night.
