Gabriel Magalhaes and Gabriel Martinelli were recently spotted catching up with one former Arsenal player on the pitch.
There was recently an Arsenal reunion of sorts, as Gabriel Magalhaes, Gabriel Martinelli, and Matt Turner all crossed paths whilst on international duty.
Gabriel and Martinelli featured for Brazil at they took on the USA in a recent friendly. Turner was between the sticks for the States in a match that ended in a 1-1 draw in Orlando, Florida. Whilst Martinelli made an appearance from the bench, the Brazilian centre-back was an unused substitute.
The Arsenal duo will feature for Brazil at this summer’s Copa America tournament. However, Gabriel is unlikely to be regular starter for his country in the competition. Arsenal fans may well be baffled by the 26-year-old’s regular omission from the starting XI. After all, William Saliba believes Gabriel is the best centre-back in the Premier League.
Martinelli will also be keen to use this summer’s tournament to get back to his best. The 22-year-old struggled to impress consistently for the Gunners last season. Whilst Mikel Arteta will still have great faith in the winger, Martinelli will have to show improvement in order to move ahead of Leandro Trossard in the pecking order.
Meanwhile, Turner left the club last summer after a disappointing single season at the Emirates Stadium. He is now on the books at Nottingham Forest, but is playing second fiddle at the City Ground too.
Gabriel Magalhaes and Gabriel Martinelli reunite with ex-Arsenal ace Matt Turner
Whilst Turner was only on the books at Arsenal briefly, he clearly enjoyed a good relationship with his North London teammates. Heartwarming footage has now emerged showing the 29-year-old engaged in friendly conversation with Gabriel and Martinelli.
Turner was replaced at Arsenal by David Raya, who succeeded where the 41-cap USA international failed, by making himself the Arsenal No. 1.
Mikel Arteta must avoid repeating Turner mistake this summer
Much as they were when they brought Turner to the club, the Gunners are now seeking a new back up option between the sticks, as Aaron Ramsdale is expected to leave the club in this summer transfer window.
There are a number of goalkeepers Arsenal might consider signing to support Raya. Above all, it is vital that Arteta avoids repeating the mistake he made in signing Turner, who was never a suitable tactical fit for his team. The American was uncomfortable with the ball at his feet, and never settled into the Gunners’ style of play.
Whoever Arsenal sign this summer, they need to be secure in playing the ball out from the back, as the manager demands.