Eight wins. Eight matches. One unstoppable winger rewriting Arsenal’s Champions League history.
But Gabriel Martinelli says the real mission hasn’t even begun yet.
Gabriel Martinelli Sends Powerful Message as Arsenal Chase Historic Champions League Dream
For Gabriel Martinelli, Arsenal’s perfect Champions League campaign so far is not something to celebrate.
It is only the beginning.
The Brazilian winger has already written his name into the club’s history books this season, becoming the first Arsenal player ever to score in five consecutive Champions League matches. Yet when he sat down for a recent interview, the 24-year-old made one thing clear.
Arsenal’s ambitions stretch far beyond impressive statistics.
The goal is much bigger.
Winning the Champions League.
Arsenal’s Perfect Start to the Competition
Few teams have dominated the Champions League league phase quite like Arsenal did this season.
Under Mikel Arteta, the Gunners finished first with a flawless record—eight wins from eight matches—a remarkable achievement that sent a powerful message across Europe.
It was not simply about results.
Arsenal’s performances combined attacking intensity, tactical control, and squad depth rarely seen in previous years. Opponents struggled to keep up with their pace and creativity.
For Martinelli, however, success at this stage carries responsibility rather than satisfaction.
“We have to work even harder to stay in this position,” he explained.
The winger understands how quickly fortunes can change in football, especially in Europe’s most unpredictable competition.
When teams reach the knockout rounds, every mistake becomes magnified.
And every opportunity must be seized.
A Record-Breaking Campaign for Martinelli
Individually, Martinelli has enjoyed one of the most memorable European campaigns of his career.
His goals have played a key role in Arsenal’s dominant league-phase run. With six goals during the stage, only three players scored more across the competition.
But one moment stood out above the rest.
During Arsenal’s victory over Club Brugge, Martinelli curled a stunning long-range strike into the net—a goal that secured his place in club history by extending his scoring streak to five consecutive Champions League appearances.
For the Brazilian winger, however, personal achievements mean little without team success.
His focus remains firmly on what comes next.
A Journey That Started with Uncertainty
Martinelli’s perspective comes partly from his own journey at Arsenal.
When he arrived in 2019 from Brazilian side Ituano, the club was far from the powerhouse it appears today.
His first season in London ended with Arsenal finishing eighth in the Premier League and suffering an early exit from the Europa League.
The team lifted the FA Cup, but consistency and identity were still missing.
Looking back now, the transformation has been dramatic.
“The most noticeable thing for everyone has been our performances on the pitch,” Martinelli said.
“From the outside, you can see our development, competing for titles. That’s what we want to achieve when we play for Arsenal—winning trophies.”
The Arteta Revolution
Much of Arsenal’s resurgence is credited to Mikel Arteta, who took charge of the club in December 2019.
According to Martinelli, the Spanish manager brought a powerful message from the very beginning.
Arteta insisted that everyone connected to the club—players, staff, and supporters—needed to believe again in Arsenal’s identity as one of the biggest clubs in world football.
“From his first day, that was his message,” Martinelli explained.
“He wanted everyone to understand that Arsenal must compete in every competition and try to win them.”
That mindset has gradually reshaped the club’s culture.
And it is now visible in Arsenal’s performances on the pitch.
Learning from Last Season’s Pain
Despite their impressive progress, Arsenal still carry the pain of last season’s Champions League disappointment.
In 2025, the Gunners reached their first semifinal in more than a decade, raising hopes that the club might finally capture Europe’s most prestigious trophy.
But the dream ended against Paris Saint-Germain, who defeated Arsenal 3-1 on aggregate before going on to win the Champions League for the first time in their history.
For Martinelli, the defeat became an important lesson.
“Football is very dynamic,” he reflected. “Many things change, and the details make the difference.”
Arsenal believe those experiences have made them stronger.
And this season, they want to go further.
Strength in Depth
Another reason for Arsenal’s optimism lies in the squad’s increased depth.
During the summer transfer window, the club made eight new signings, significantly strengthening their options.
The arrivals included:
• Kepa Arrizabalaga
• Cristhian Mosquera
• Piero Hincapié
• Christian Nørgaard
• Martin Zubimendi
• Eberechi Eze
• Noni Madueke
• Viktor Gyökeres
For Martinelli, the impact of those additions has been clear.
“They are fantastic guys both on and off the pitch,” he said.
“Every new signing has added something to the squad.”
That depth allowed Arsenal to rotate players during the league phase while maintaining their perfect winning record.
In modern football, where schedules are relentless, having multiple top-level options is essential.
The Advantage of Playing the Second Leg at Home
Finishing first in the league phase brought Arsenal another valuable reward.
In the knockout rounds, they will play the second leg of each tie at home.
That could prove crucial.
The Emirates Stadium has become a fortress when the team is performing at its best, and Martinelli believes the energy from supporters could make the difference in tight matches.
“It’s pretty important for us to have the second game at home with the support of our fans,” he said.
Because in the Champions League, atmosphere often matters just as much as tactics.
Arsenal’s Unfinished Dream
Despite their strong performances, Arsenal are still chasing a historic milestone.
The club has never won the Champions League.
For Martinelli and his teammates, that fact is not a burden.
It is motivation.
They know how difficult the competition is. They understand how small the margins can be.
But they also believe Arsenal now possess the quality, experience, and belief required to challenge Europe’s best teams.
And as the knockout stage begins, Martinelli’s message is simple.
Arsenal are not satisfied with progress.
They want the trophy.
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