Gabriel Martinelli has been a regular for Arsenal since Mikel Arteta took charge at the Emirates in December 2019.
The 24-year-old joined the Gunners from Brazilian side Ituano FC in July 2019.
Pumas UNAM had an opportunity to sign Martinelli a year before he joined Arsenal. That’s at least what Mexican journalist Francisco Arredondo is reporting, relayed by Olé.
The winger left Corinthians to be part of Ituano FC’s youth system in 2014. He waited until March 2018 to make his first team debut.
Martinelli played only 17 matches for Ituano FC, scoring six times and registering two assists. That convinced the north London club to bet on him.
Former Brazilian midfielder Ailton da Silva, who is currently an agent, recommended Pumas sign the current Arsenal player.
According to Arredondo, Pumas were given a chance to sign Martinelli before he made his senior debut for the Brazilian club. They weren’t convinced.
Martinelli has managed 55 goals and 30 assists from 230 matches for Arsenal. Pumas likely regret not taking a chance and then cashing in.