Arsenal striker Gabriel Jesus has identified fellow countryman Gabriel Martinelli as the best player currently in the Gunners’ squad. Speaking in an exclusive interview with Romario TV that aired on April 1, 2026, the former Manchester City forward bypassed high-profile names like Bukayo Saka and Declan Rice to give the nod to his long-time friend and compatriot.
Jesus revealed that his admiration for the winger predates their time together at the Emirates Stadium, stretching back to a chance encounter during international duties in Brazil.
A talent spotted in 2019
During the interview, Jesus recalled the first time he laid eyes on Martinelli’s talent, well before the young winger became a household name in the Premier League. He noted that the discovery happened during the national team’s preparations for the 2019 Copa America.
“I first saw him, funny enough, during the 2019 Copa America preparation. The national team always calls up young players from the youth teams to come and train with us. There was a good young left winger. I said, ‘Wow, what a good kid.’”
Martinelli, who was playing for Ituano FC at the time, joined Arsenal later that same year for a modest fee, a move that Jesus admitted took him by surprise when they eventually reunited in London.
Elite standards in daily training
While many fans judge players solely on matchday performances, Jesus emphasized that Martinelli’s true quality is most evident behind the scenes. He argued that the winger’s dedication and technical ability during “daily routines” set him apart from his peers.
Jesus highlighted several key reasons for his pick:
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Consistency: Martinelli’s performance levels rarely dip in high-intensity sessions.
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Technical Detail: His ability to execute “the little things” under pressure in training.
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Physicality: The pace and trickery he maintains even outside of competitive fixtures.
Career-defining moments
The endorsement comes at a time when both players are central to Mikel Arteta’s tactical setup. Martinelli has continued to prove his worth on the big stage, notably scoring a critical Champions League winner against Real Madrid at the Bernabéu during the 2024/25 season.
With both Brazilians under contract until 2027, their partnership remains a cornerstone of Arsenal’s ambitions to dominate both domestic and European football. For Jesus, seeing the “kid” he once admired in Brazil blossom into Arsenal’s finest is a full-circle moment in his professional journey.
