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This article is part of Football FanCast's The Chalkboard series, which provides a tactical insight into teams, players, managers, potential signings and more... 

After arriving from Brazilian side Ituano this summer in a rather low-key deal, Gabriel Martinelli produced an impressive performance on his first-team debut for Arsenal against Colorado Rapids.

The 18-year-old had largely been tipped to feature for the north London's side academy teams over the course of the upcoming campaign, but his display against the MLS outfit certainly raised a few admiring eyebrows.

On the chalkboard

Reports in recent weeks have suggested that Unai Emery's side are on the hunt for a new winger, who can bring pace, trickery and movement. It has perhaps been no surprise then to see the likes of Crystal Palace's Wilfried Zaha and Gremio's Everton Soares being linked with a move to the Emirates.

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But Martinelli's performance against the Rapids, and his campaign as a whole at Ituano last year, could have already given them the solution. In a comfortable 3-0 victory to open up the Gunners' pre-season, Martinelli was a real live-wire, hustling and harrying the opposition and being a relentless bundle of energy.

The Brazilian was sometimes erratic with his touch and his passing, particularly with little pressure around him. But the teenager's willingness to get on the ball and drive at the opposition defence caused constant problems, and his movement without it was arguably the biggest highlight of his display.

Operating from the right-hand side of Arsenal's attack, Martinelli made piercing runs in between the opposition full-back and centre-back and was a real nuisance for the Colorado back-line. Indeed, his goal symbolised everything that the winger had tried during the match.

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Having seen left-back Dominic Thompson run into space on the left-flank, Martinelli's searing pace saw him edge well ahead of his defender and arrive at the near post with great timing. Despite the ball coming at an uncomfortable height, the Brazilian's improvised finish with his chest and shoulder slammed into the back of the net and was just reward for a fine debut.

Both Henrikh Mkhitaryan and Alex Iwobi combined for a total of just 12 goals in 90 total appearances last season; Martinelli's incisive movement and eye for goal could surely see him better that on his own if given the chance to impress and bring some much-needed spark to Arsenal's attack.