Gabriel Martinelli is adamant Arsenal will not rest on their laurels and until they are crowned Premier League champions despite coming up short in the last two seasons.
Arsenal were bested to the league title once again by Manchester City last season, however, taking the title race to the wire – after losing out in the race way before the last match day in the season prior.
The Brazilian forward however believes Arsenal will be right in the mix once the 2024-25 season kick-starts, stating the feeling and desire to be champions among the squad is high.
Speaking to AS, Martinelli said: “We have been fighting for the Premier League title for two years. We had a very big evolution in the team, without a doubt.
“We have a very young team, with a winning mentality – everyone wants to win & be champions.
“I think we have to continue doing what we have been doing so far. It’s not easy to be Premier League champions, even more so if you have Manchester City & Liverpool in front of you, but all the teams are aware of our quality.
“They know what we are capable of as a team & that we can be champions.
“We will certainly begin next season with more strength & more confidence to try to win the title.”
Martinelli – who has impressed in Brazil’s international games ahead of the Copa America – was electric, starting on the right wing of attack in Arsenal’s final game of the season.
Despite their 2-1 win against Everton, the Gunners could not be crowned champions on a day which began with positivity but ended in sadness.
Quizzed on the disappointment after the final game of the season, Martinelli added: “The team is sad. Our squad is very close, we are a family in London. We wanted to be champions, but because of what happened this year & last season, we have to wait now.
“We wanted to win. We are devastated by not getting the title, but we take what happened to us as an experience. It is a very difficult league, the most difficult league in the world. Now, we have to focus & work as hard as possible to win next year.”
