Gabriel Martinelli's summer move to Arsenal may never have happened had Manchester United or Barcelona opted to sign him at earlier dates.

The Brazilian was the Gunners first summer arrival and has shown his potential when given the chance this season.

Martinelli's goalscoring exploits are closing in on double figures, but Arsenal had to rely on two of Europe's giants turning their noses up at the forward.

Over a three-year spell the 18-year-old flew to United's Carrington base on three occasions, spending a total of 30 days in Manchester according to the Times .

The Red Devils eventually cooled their interest which led to a 15 day stint at Barcelona's famed La Masia academy.

But it was much the same for Martinelli with the Catalans looking elsewhere, but upon his return to Brazil his father details how Arsenal's interest was just around the corner.

“Right about the time he came back from Barcelona there was quite a bit of interest from Arsenal,” João said.

“They had scouts in South America and they started to follow him closely."

Martinelli eventually set Arsenal back £6m after they signed him for Ituano, although his arrival initially went under the radar as the Gunners added several high profile names.

Now though the teenager is fast becoming a fans favourite and scored his first Premier League goal in their 3-1 win over West Ham back in December.

Arsenal have made as habit of signing young strikers before watching them blossom into world class individuals.

Thierry Henry is the most high profile having moved from Juventus but Nicolas Anelka and Robin van Persie can both put themselves in the same category.

Arsenal face a period of uncertainty in attack with Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Alexandre Lacazette both considering their futures meaning Martinelli could get more opportunities to impress.