Martinelli’s family move from Corinthians set rare path to Arsenal and possible Brazil start | OneFootball

Martinelli, likely to start for Brazil against Norway, forged an uncommon path by leaving Corinthians’ academy at 13 to follow his family to Itu and seek prominence at Ituano.

According to Globo.com, the forward was born in Guarulhos and scored 73 goals in 139 games for Corinthians’ youth sides. After his parents retired and moved to Itu, he trialled at Ituano with Juninho Paulista and prioritised a quieter life alongside a bigger role on the pitch.

At Ituano he totalled 94 games and 65 goals in the youth ranks, then 31 senior matches, 10 goals and six assists. Interest followed from 25 clubs, including Corinthians, São Paulo, Palmeiras, Santos, Cruzeiro, Atlético-MG, Flamengo and Fluminense, plus 17 from Europe. He also spent time on trial at Manchester United and Barcelona.

He chose Arsenal at 18, a move that brought Ituano about R$ 30 million, and his agent said in 2019 they had expected such attention. Martinelli later made Brazil’s 2022 World Cup squad.

Now 25, he is contracted to Arsenal until July 2027 and has attracted enquiries about leaving England, though his next step is undecided. He remains a Corinthians supporter and aims to play for them back in Brazil one day. Carlo Ancelotti used him with the starters in training on Saturday, indicating he could replace Lucas Paquetá against Norway in the World Cup last 16 in New Jersey at 17:00 Brasília time.

Source: Globo.com