“HONESTLY, THIS GUY”: ZINCHENKO LEFT STUNNED BY “UNBELIEVABLE” ARSENAL TEAMMATE AFTER £32M MOVE
Oleksandr Zinchenko has been left stunned by Gabriel Martinelli following his £32m move from Manchester City to Arsenal.
WHAT’S THE STORY?
Well, the Ukraine international was speaking to Fabrizio Romano on transfer deadline day, where he showered the Brazil international with praise.
Zinchenko said: “Honestly, I wasn’t surprised much because I knew the quality of the players here but obviously if you want me to choose one, because obviously I know Gabriel Jesus for a while and we don’t count him, I think Gabriel Martinelli.
“He is the special one. From the first days when I’ve seen his footwork and his attitude and the way he works. Honestly, this guy, if he is going to keep going, remember his name. He’s unbelievable.”
The Arsenal No.11 has started the 2022/23 campaign on fire for the Gunners, scoring three goals in five Premier League games including a late winner in the 2-1 victory over Fulham last time out.
Martinelli has make rapid progress in his development, as he is already performing like an experienced Premier League forward despite only recently turning 21.
Zinchenko isn’t the only man to have been left impressed by the South American’s start to the season.
Rio Ferdinand likened Martinelli to Luis Suarez after the £6m man began the campaign in red hot form for the north Londoners, while Lee Dixon has claimed that the dynamic attacker has looked incredible in training at London Colney.
Paul Merson even believes Arsenal have a genuine superstar in the making on their hands.
ARSENAL HAVE WORKED WONDERS WITH GABRIEL MARTINELLI
In our view, Arteta has handled Martinelli’s development superbly.
There were concerns that the Spaniard didn’t rate the youngster as he drip-fed him game time following his return from a serious knee injury at the start of 2021.
However – despite pressure to use the Brazilian around that time – Arteta stuck to his guns and eased the wonderkid back into action, with Arsenal now reaping the rewards for their patient approach.
If Martinelli keeps this form up, Arsenal really could have a genuine superstar on their hands in no time.
