Martinez: I want to make Wigan Gunners of the north
Martinez is an arch-disciple of Gunners boss Arsene Wenger’s entire approach to management, chiefly of the Frenchman’s record of bringing through young players during his 14 years at the helm.
“I think developing players is key for a football club and, as we all know, for the nation,” said Martinez.
“And I think it’s a clear model that has produced outstanding talent and is carrying on doing that.
“That’s been a great example throughout football and for many people to follow.
“To have the ideas very clear, to have those strong beliefs, they bring you success.
“It’s quite clear that it’s someone who started a model and football in general has benefited from that work.”
Martinez, who cited on-loan Manchester United midfielder Tom Cleverly as the ideal example of the kind of player he is looking to groom, added: “We’re following that philosophy.”
Wenger has called on Arsenal fans to “keep faith” in his vision as he looks to guide the young Gunners into the semi-finals of the Carling Cup.
Arsenal recovered from their 3-2 defeat to Spurs by beating Aston Villa at the weekend.
“For over two months we have played every three days, and part of that is sometimes you have ups and downs. It is how you respond to that,” he declared.
“The problem at the moment is that when these kind of things happen, everybody is emphasising the negative sides.”
Wenger declared: “I am still quite optimistic, even if disappointed by the results. I have no major reason to doubt the team and the players, so even if my disappointment was huge, maybe that is why I am less down than many people because I see all the positive signs which are in my team.
“I am confident on the longer term, like it is a marathon, that will all come out — keep with us, and keep faith with the team.
“I know their attitude is spot on, I know they have the quality — and we will not always lose games where the opponent only has one shot on goal.”
Theo Walcott and Nicklas Bendtner were both on target at St James Park in the last round and would expect another chance tonight having both been left on the bench against Villa, where victory moved the Gunners — albeit briefly — top of the Premier League.
Holland forward Robin van Persie was another unused substitute at the weekend, and could feature as he looks to improve match sharpness following an ankle problem.
Meanwhile, the agent of 23-year-old Lorient striker Kevin Gameiro has given permission to Arsenal to kick-start negotiations with the youngster.
Sources say that £10 million will be the opening gambit for discussions, but Benfica, Liverpool and Tottenham are also taking a close interest in the talks with either side capable of putting in an increased bid once they are sure that Lorient are prepared to sell him.
Gameiro has grown impressively since joining Lorient from Strasbourg, and has scored 30 goals in his 79 appearances over the last two years.
He has already won caps for France at various ages but he came to the notice of the new senior France boss Laurent Blanc this summer and made his debut against Belarus in August.
Gameiro’s arrival could signal the end for Arsenal’s Mexican striker Carlos Vela at the Emirates.
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