Arsenal starlet Gabriel Martinelli admits he's proud of praise from Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp.

Klopp this season declared Martinelli the "talent of the 21st century".

In response, the Brazilian told Marca: "I feel very proud that one of the best managers in the world speaks well of me. Now I have to remain solid, focused and continue working to achieve greater things."

Asked about rumours of interest from Real Madrid, Martinelli continued: "No, nothing has come to me. I am focused here doing my job at Arsenal and my head is here."

The attacker admits he grew up playing against Real's Brazilian attacker Rodrygo Goes.

"Yes, I played against him a few times in futsal when we were under 9 and under 11. I played in Corinthians and he played in Santos. Then we met in the last preseason in the United States.

"We met because Real Madrid and Arsenal were facing each other. I was with him and Vinícius and we talked for a while. He is a boy who deserves everything good that is happening to him. He was always very humble, he's a craque. I wish him well."