‘He reminds me of Ronaldo’: Arsenal star Gabriel Martinelli likened to Brazil legend

The Brazilian has been out all season with a knee injury but is now closing in on a return

Gabriel Martinelli during training last month (Getty)

Gabriel Martinelli has similarities with legendary Brazil striker Ronaldo in the way he carries the ball and his eagerness to take the most direct route to goal. 

That’s the view of former Arsenal striker Kevin Campbell, who is hopeful the Brazilian’s return from injury can boost Mikel Arteta’s side this season.

Martinelli made a breakthrough with the Gunners last season, scoring 10 goals in 26 appearances across all competitions.

The Brazilian picked up a serious knee injury in training in June, which will sideline him until the end of the year, but Campbell is optimistic the 19-year-old can make a strong return this season.

“I think Martinelli is the one, I really do,” Campbell told Football Insider. “Martinelli was sensational when he came in last season.

Gabriel Martinelli during training last month (Getty)

“He is a real handful – strong, direct and reminds me of the Brazilian Ronaldo. The way that he picks up the ball and runs at goal is phenomenal.

“I am not saying that he is Ronaldo but he reminds me of him, especially with that goal he scored at Chelsea [in January].

“He has a big future but I do not want to put too much pressure on him because he suffered that injury and he needs time to come back and get his feet under the table again, get comfortable and play games.

“Players tend to get long-term injuries and then come back and pick a niggle up somewhere else. He will need time to get back into the swing of things.”