David James has suggested that joining Liverpool might make Arsenal attacker Gabriel Martinelli an even better player.
The 20-year-old Arsenal forward is one of the Premier League’s brightest young players.
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp is a massive fan of the Brazilian sensation, labelling him a ‘talent of the century’ in 2019 and praised him again after a 2-0 victory at the Emirates Stadium earlier this month.
The Anfield outfit may be in the market for an additional wide player this summer, amid doubts over whether Mohamed Salah’s going to sign a new contract on Merseyside.
Leeds United’s Raphinha has been touted as a potential target in the past.
But former Liverpool goalkeeper James believes that the Arsenal youngster might be a better option, arguing that the German manager might improve the player in terms of development.
He told GGRecon: “If it was a choice between Martinelli and Raphinha, I would go for Martinelli. I can imagine him in a Liverpool kit, doing what he does with Arsenal, if not better, and just fitting in seamlessly.”
Martinelli, who cost Arsenal £6 million in 2019, is a frightening prospect and the Gunners need to sign him up to a new long-term contract.
His performance against Liverpool a couple of weeks ago is only going to consolidate Klopp’s affection for the player and the North Londoners won’t want an English and European powerhouse like the Reds sniffing around any of their stars, not least Martinelli.
At the moment, he only has two-and-a-bit years remaining on his contract – which expires in 2024 – and Mikel Arteta and Edu would be wise to extend that as soon as possible.
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