Arsenal star Gabriel Martinelli says choosing Italy over Brazil was never a real possibility.

The forward, who can play on the left wing and as a striker, is set to play for Brazil this month.

The 20-year-old's excellent displays at club level have earned him a Selecao call-up.

Asked about playing for Italy, and whether that was ever an option, Martinelli told Globo: "No-one spoke to me, only Jorginho [Chelsea midfielder] once said to me, "I hope to see you in March", something like that.

"But no-one [official] spoke to me, no."