‘It’s a joy watching him’: Robin van Persie rates Arsenal summer signing
Robin van Persie has delivered a glowing verdict on Arsenal summer signing Gabriel Martinelli.
The Brazilian teenager completed a move to Arsenal from South American club Ituano in the summer.
The 18-year-old has been given the chance to impress in the Europa League and the League Cup this term.
Martinelli got on the score sheet in Arsenal’s 3-2 win over Portuguese side Vitoria Guimaraes.
The South American has netted five times in the cup competitions to make a strong early impression.
Martinelli has been limited to one appearance from the bench in the Premier League.
Van Persie moved to Arsenal as a teenager with a promising reputation in 2004.
The Dutch striker went on to establish himself as one of the league’s great strikers at Arsenal and Man United.
Van Persie is excited about Martinelli’s potential after his exciting start to life at the north London side.
“Me too [I’m excited],” Van Persie told BT Sport. “He knows where the danger is, where the space is. He scored a great goal.
“What I like about him is his link-up play, he looks lively, he looks technical, he looks very good to me, it’s a joy watching him. ‘Five in five is a great start.”
Arsenal signed six new players in the summer transfer window after the Gunners finished in fifth spot in the Premier League last term.
Martinelli was the least experienced of Emery’s new signings, but the Brazilian youngster has arguably made the biggest impression so far.
The north London side haven’t won the Premier League title since 2004, while the Gunners have never lifted the Champions League title.
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