Arsenal legend Robert Pires says he sees a lot of similarities between himself and Gabriel Martinelli.

The likeness is not surprising considering they both were/are left-wingers, but Pires says the comparison runs deeper, with the pair also having similar styles of play:

“Gabriel Martinelli looks like me. He looks a lot like me because he’s a dribbler, he scores goals, and he is quick. He makes good calls, he plays simply when it’s necessary to play simply, and he goes for the challenge when the challenge presents itself.

“When he sees that he is one-on-one he plays for the team and that’s why I really like him. I know him a little bit, he’s educated, and he’s doing well at Arsenal, that’s for sure.”

Martinelli still has a way to go to match Pires’s achievements

During his six years with the Gunners, the Frenchman scored 85 goals and provided 61 assists in 284 appearances, averaging a goal involvement every 1.94 games. He also won two Premier League titles and 3 FA Cups.

Martinelli is currently averaging a goal contribution every 2.5 games so he is certainly not quite as consistent in front of goal as Pires. However, he is still only 22 years of age and he could well go on to achieve greater things in the future.

An update on the fitness of the Arsenal star

The Brazilian international spent the best part of a month on the sidelines with a foot injury which he picked up during the 6-0 win over Sheffield United. At the time, it was believed that he would only be out for a short period of time but it took him longer than expected to return to the pitch.

Martinelli was, though, in the matchday squad for the 0-0 draw against Manchester City on Sunday and he played the last 15 minutes. Manager Mikel Arteta has subsequently confirmed that he is now firmly in contention to start upcoming fixtures.