Rio Ferdinand has sung the praises of Gabriel Martinelli, labelling him as one of the five best Premier League wonderkids, with the Brazilian having all the ingredients to succeed Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.
Signed from Ituano last summer, the 18-year old has already shown great promise for the Gunners, exciting a number of Arsenal fans through his performances this season.
Able to play anywhere across the frontline, just like Aubameyang, Martinelli has demonstrated great pace, power and finishing ability for the Gunners in his 14 Premier League appearances during the current campaign.
With Aubameyang entering the final 12 months of his contract at the Emirates, it appears as though the Gabon international will soon leave the club. Even if he doesn’t leave soon however, Martinelli still stands as Arsenal’s best candidate to succeed him in Mikel Arteta’s side.
Described as having “mad” awareness and intelligence, the £25 million-rated forward has 10 goals in 24 appearances for the Gunners this season, in just 15 starts for the club.
Should he be given a more prominent role next season, either on the left or as the club’s lead striker, the young Brazilian has shown he has the composure to shine and score goals.
Arsenal will want to spend big to replace Aubameyang in the summer, and rightly so, but they could also benefit from simply trusting in their young players and giving Martinelli an extended run in the team.
