Mikel Arteta has likened prodigious Arsenal forward Gabriel Martinelli to former Liverpool favourite Luis Suarez, according to Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand.
Martinelli had been touted as one of the Gunners' most highly-rated prospects ever since his arrival at the club from Brazilian outfit Ituano, and the 21-year-old has now established himself as one of Arsenal's most important players after flourishing under the guidance of Arteta.
The youngster is already on course to enjoy his best-ever season and was influential in Sunday's crucial 3-2 victory over Liverpool, where bagged a goal and an assist to take his tally of goal contributions to the season to six in all competitions.
And in the wake of Martinelli's emergence over the past few months, Ferdinand has shared some insight from Arteta, who believes the youngster can emulate Suarez, one of the greatest forwards to have graced the Premier League in recent years.
Speaking on his Vibe with FIVE YouTube show, Ferdinand said: "I love Martinelli, love him. I saw Arteta a couple of years ago, at Bournemouth away, and Martinelli was just coming through.
"I said to him, 'What's he like man? He looks good to me. I like the look of this kid.' And he went, 'He's going to be special.' I asked him what type of player he is, who is he like, and he said, 'There's a bit of [Luis] Suarez in there.' And I was like 'That's enough for me, he's going to be a problem.'
Join the debate! How good do you think Martinelli will be in the future? Let us know here.
"He's a bad player, he was the wrong ingredient for Trent [Alexander-Arnold] when he's searching for confidence. The wrong ingredient. He did not need that!"
Unfortunately for Arsenal, Martinelli's sizzling form has not gone unnoticed; Jurgen Klopp has not been shy in sharing his admiration for the Arsenal man, while Chelsea are also believed to be interested in prising Martinelli away from the Emirates. But the Gunners are determined to keep hold of their coveted wide man and have opened talks over a new and improved deal.
While Martinelli is currently under contract until 2024, Arsenal also hold an option to extend that deal by a further year. Both sides are keen to come to terms on a new agreement, though, to reward Martinelli for his dazzling displays.
Martinelli confirmed after Sunday's win over Liverpool that he was open to committing his long-term future to the club. He said: "I think it's my best season here at Arsenal. I'm so happy about this moment. Of course, I want to stay. We are talking. Let's see what is going to happen. But I want to stay, of course."
