‘One of the best’: Arsenal’s Martinelli declares his ‘love’ for Newcastle star

Follow us on Google Discover

Arsenal star Gabriel Martinelli has declared his ‘love’ for Brazil teammate Bruno Guimaraes of Newcastle United. The forward believes he is ‘one of the best’ midfielders in the world.

Tite has named both, Martinelli and Guimaraes, in his 26-man squad for the World Cup in Qatar this winter. The Premier League stars have shared spots in the Selecao set-up at the same time in multiple matches. They also won gold at the 2021 Tokyo Olympics together.

• WORLD CUP: NEYMAR AND GUIMARAES IN BRAZIL’S BEST XI FROM 26-MAN SQUAD
• WORLD CUP: FIRMINO AND GABRIEL IN A PL XI OF BRAZIL STARS NOT IN THE SQUAD

The pair shared time on the pitch in two matches during the Olympic games last summer. Tite has since fielded Martinelli and Guimaraes in a senior Brazil fixture together on three occasions. While they even shared one U23s cap in 2021 as the Selecao beat Serbia 3-0.

Guimaraes would follow Martinelli to the Premier League in January 2022 when he sealed a £35m move to Newcastle. The Toon could end up owing Lyon a further £6.5m in add-ons for the midfielder. Arsenal signed an 18-year-old Martinelli off Ituano in July 2019 for £6m.

Both are now holding integral roles at their respective sides under Mikel Arteta and Eddie Howe. Martinelli has scored five goals and created a further two through his first 13 top-flight appearances this campaign. While Guimaraes is pulling the strings at St James’ Park.

Arsenal’s Martinelli says Newcastle’s Guimaraes is ‘one of the best midfielders’

Guimaraes could have joined Martinelli at Arsenal instead of signing with Newcastle during the mid-season market earlier this year. But The Telegraph reported that the Gunners and Juventus did not have the money to battle the Toon and wanted to wait until the summer.

Arsenal likely rue missing out on Guimaraes to Newcastle with Martinelli in awe of the star shining at St James’. The forward, too, likely rues not getting to play with a Brazil colleague at the club level he believes is among the best in his role anywhere in the world right now.

“I love this boy,” Martinelli told Sky Sports News (12/11, 13:28). “He’s so good on the ball, so important for the team. He was with me in the Olympic games, as well. For me, he’s one of the best midfielders in the world. He’s a very good guy, as well.”