“He was so important in my growth”, “I have seen lot of videos of him playing for Arsenal” – Martinelli names 5 favorite South American players to play in Premier League

Arsenal forward Gabriel Martinelli has named his five favorite South American footballers to have graced the Premier League.

The Brazil international has picked two former Arsenal players, Alexis Sanchez and Emiliano Martinez, as well as current striker Gabriel Jesus.

Martinelli has also named former Middlesbrough attacking midfielder Juninho Paulista and Manchester United striker Carlos Tevez.

The Gunners attacker has credited Juninho for playing a significant role in his development as a player.

The former Middlesbrough midfielder, who currently serves as Brazil's national team co-ordinator, was the president of Ituano when Martinelli was at the club.

The 21-year-old has hailed Juninho as someone he admires both on and off the pitch. He told Arsenal's official website:

"He was amazing on the ball in the final third, and his last pass was amazing. I love him on the pitch and off the pitch as well he’s a very good guy."

The forward has also hailed former Gunners hero Alexis Sanchez, labeling him a club legend and admitting that he would like to meet the Chile international. Martinelli said:

"I have seen a lot of videos of him playing for Arsenal. He’s a great player and a legend of the club as well, so I’d like to meet him."

Martinelli has also named former Manchester City and United striker Tevez as a player he loves because of his hunger.

Former Arsenal goalkeeper Martinez, who is currently at Aston Villa, has also been named by the new Gunners forward as a favorite.

Martinelli's final pick has been his club and international teammate Jesus, who has been a revelation since joining the Gunners this summer.

The 21-year-old has insisted that the Gunners are lucky to have the four-time Premier League winner in their ranks. He said:

"He’s a great player and he’s helping us a lot. On the pitch, you can see the way that he plays and tries to help the team, and off the pitch he’s one of the captains. We are so lucky to have him."

The former City forward has already scored two goals and contributed three assists in his three Premier League appearances so far.

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Arsenal have a gem in Martinelli

Since his move to the Emirates from Ituano back in 2019, Martinelli has seen a dramatic rise in his stocks.

The fleet-footed wide forward has always been improving and looks completely transformed this time out.

The 21-year-old has established himself as a key cog in Gunners boss Mikel Arteta's system thanks to his unique skillset.

He appears to have worked on his finishing as well and has been quite prolific so far this season. The Brazilian has already contributed with two goals in three Premier League games.