Back in 2020, Gabriel Martinelli was extremely complimentary about Barcelona forward Ansu Fati, who has heavily been speculated with a summer move to Arsenal.
As recently as on Wednesday, it was reported that the Spanish international, who was labelled as ‘quality’ by Ronaldinho could leave the Catalan giants, with his future described as a ‘mess.’
While the world has been aware of just how talented Ansu Fati is for a number of years, it seems Arsenal winger Gabriel Martinelli is, and has been as well.
Gabriel Martinelli praised Arsenal target Ansu Fati in 2020
The £199,000-a-week wideman has always looked the part at the Spotify Camp Nou, but constant injuries have stopped him in his tracks from being regarded as one of the outright best players in the world in his position.
While that could change for Ansu Fati in an Arsenal shirt if he manages to stay fit, Gabriel Martinelli seems to have always had nice things to say about him, harking back to his trial at Barcelona.
“I even trained with Ansu Fati [at Barcelona] and we became friends. He helped me a lot and now he’s playing on the main team. He’s a boy who deserves everything good that is happening to him. He is super humble and welcomed me super well there”, Arsenal ace Gabriel Martinelli once told Spanish outlet MARCA.
The Spaniard could replace Martinelli in the side
As brilliant as the ‘electric’ Brazilian international is, the Blaugrana youngster is as naturally talented, if not more.
The fact that Ansu Fati was handpicked as the player to take Lionel Messi’s No.10 shirt at Barcelona says it all, and he operates in the same left-wing position as Arsenal forward, Gabriel Martinelli.
While Martinelli seems to think the world about him, things may well change if the La Masia graduate joins the club and takes his spot.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
