Gabriel Martinelli likened to Sergio Aguero and Alexis Sanchez

Gabriel Martinelli opened the scoring for Arsenal in midweek and his performance has drawn comparisons with Sergio Aguero and former Gunners Alexis Sanchez

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Arsenal’s Gabriel Martinelli has been compared to South American pair Sergio Aguero and Alexis Sanchez, two men who thrived in the Premier League.

The latter played at the Gunners before heading to Manchester, but was a leading light whilst at the Emirates.

Aguero and Sanchez arrived in England as something of the finished article, but Martinelli is still very much on the rise.

Signed by Arsenal in 2019, the Brazilian has continued to impress and has become increasingly influential in games.

His finishing especially has caught the eye, but it is complimented by a relentless work rate.

Such qualities were possessed in abundance by Aguero and Sanchez, which caused Joe Cole to draw comparisons after the win over West Ham United on Wednesday.

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He said on BT Sport: “I left the stadium and I was driving away I was thinking this is the first time in 10 years there’s something to work from with Arsenal, there’s a base.

“This lad is outstanding, Martinelli. I’ve always been a big fan of his. He reminds me of a young Aguero, who is busy, just like Alexis Sanchez.”

Martinelli scored the opener for the Gunners as they saw off the Hammers.

His all round performance was a real plus for Mikel Arteta, who is having to shuffle his options in the wake of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s disciplinary problems.

The Spaniard said: “Well certainly it was one of the best in every aspect of the game. He was cramping again and he needs to mature in that sense but his overall understanding of the game is getting much better.

“He’s able to put some gears into his play. Sometimes he’s still doing everything at 100 miles per hour but the energy and quality he shows at times is top.”

Martinelli has made 10 league appearances this term, six of those coming as a starter.

He is battling with several other youngsters for a start as Bukayo Saka and Emile Smith Rowe become established names.

There is also a debate as to whether the 20-year-old is best used as a central figure or from a wider position.

Martinelli could benefit from more minutes however with Aubameyang currently out of the frame.

He was left out for the last two games and is training away from the squad with Arteta stripping him of the captaincy.

“The decision we have taken as a club is very clear,” said the Arsenal boss.

“It is because we believe he has failed to be committed as the level we all expect and agree. It is as simple as that.”