Pep Guardiola has challenged Gabriel Martinelli to follow in the footsteps of Erling Haaland. The Arsenal star has been central to much of Mikel Arteta's success at Arsenal, with his impressive displays said to be courting the attention of several Premier League clubs.
Martinelli, who sees his deal at the Emirates Stadium expire in 2024, has featured eight times for the Gunners this season, directly contributing towards four goals. At just 21 years old, he's already begun to establish himself as one of Europe's most exciting young talents.
But, despite his best efforts, no more so than the Manchester City talisman. Haaland, who is less than a year older than Martinelli, can arguably be regarded as the world's best striker and Guardiola has insisted that the sky is the limit for somebody of his age.
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Speaking at the pre-match press conference to preview City's Champions League clash with Copenhagen, the Spaniard said of the Norway international: "At his age no one can compete with him... No one. The numbers speak for itself and inside, in the locker room, on the pitch we see things that are not in the stats that make us feel happy to have him here."
Martinelli is slowly growing into a similar 'talisman' role at Arsenal so the Brazil international will be eager to soak up Guardiola's advice for a player of a similar age. With a bright future in the pipeline, the Gunners will be keen to tie the winger down to a new deal amid claims that he can become 'one of the world's best'.
Following Arsenal's 3-1 win over Tottenham Hotspur in the north London derby, Granit Xhaka lauded the Brazilian for his role in the historic victory. Martinelli was unfortunate not to register a goal contribution, though his influence on the high-profile bout didn't go unnoticed.
Speaking to BBC Sport, the Switzerland international said: "Gabriel Martinelli has a lot to be one of the best. He goes 100 miles per hour. He has to push himself with how far he can go. He has the team and everything around to help him.
"When Mikel came three years ago, he said he needed time, and you can see the results. We have a big squad with a lot of potential, and we are showing it on the pitch. We have a different type of spirit and mentality in the team, and you can see that."
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