Martinelli has made just five Premier League appearances since returning from injury but it's clear that Mikel Arteta has a long-term plan for him.
To play or not to play, that is the question.
Except right now it's a question not being answered for Gabriel Martinelli. The 19-year-old had the world at his feet before suffering a serious knee injury last summer.
Martinelli returned to action earlier than expected in December as he played 45 minutes in the EFL Trophy against AFC Wimbledon. In that brief cameo, his energy and enthusiasm took centre stage as if it had never been away.
The hype around Arsenal's Brazilian sensation is justified. From his famous goal at Stamford Bridge to his infectious work rate that has endeared him to supporters around the world, there is a rightful clamour to see Martinelli in action.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has remained strong in his decision making regarding youngsters this season, whether it be Reiss Nelson or Eddie Nketiah - if the Spaniard doesn't feel that the time is right to play them, he won't.
"No, if anything it’s my fault, he has done everything perfect," said Arteta ahead of Arsenal's Europa League match against Olympiacos.
He trains incredibly well every day, his attitude cannot be any better, he is disappointed he is not playing more obviously and I have spoken to him, but he needs to be a little bit patient,
“He had some minutes, he had some games as well and it’s true the competition for the front positions is very tough but he needs to be patient and he will get his chance.”
Indeed, patience is a rarity in modern football but with Martinelli the general consensus among those from the outside is that there are games in recent weeks where he could have at least played a cameo role.
Nicolas Pepe and Willian are the obvious senior first team players ahead of Martinelli in the pecking order at Arsenal right now, and both players have come into good form of late.
football.london understands that Martinelli has been taking individual sessions - a non-compulsory option - to improve his shooting with Arteta holding the view that he has the potential to play as a centre forward in the long-term.
Many have drawn comparisons with Pep Guardiola's treatment of Phil Foden at Manchester City. The England midfielder has alternated between playing wide and centrally this season - but is not a regular starter despite his impressive form.
Arteta is likely to have taken a leaf out of Guardiola's book when it comes to developing youngsters and Martinelli, who has not started a Premier League match since the 0-0 draw with Manchester United In January, will most likely benefit from what many are considering harsh treatment for a player with so much potential.
"They [younger players] have incredible energy, but in the final decision, final pass, they have to slow down," said Guardiola in December.
"The energy for a guy of that age, he wants to win the world, beat the world and be important.
"It's normal, but you need experience to be more calm. He plays football in the same rhythm, football must be need played in different rhythms: sometimes you have to walk, sometimes you have no rhythm, sometimes you have to change the rhythm.
"There will be a moment when he slows down, it's a normal process for all young players. You just stick have to stick with them and be patient."
The similarities with Foden and Martinelli are uncanny and the comments Arteta is making about the latter are what Guardiola has been saying about his own player all season.
Martinelli will go on to become a huge star for Arsenal but right now he will have to do things at the pace his manager wants - and in the long-term he'll be a better player for it.
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