Brazilian great Ronaldinho says Arsenal whizkid Gabriel Martinelli is fast becoming a household name back home.

Ronaldinho says the Arsenal teenager has got all of the attributes to follow in the footsteps of ex-Brazil superstar Ronaldo.

He told the Mirror: “We as Brazilians are very excited about him and his future. It is one thing to have the talent - but another at the age of 18 to have the confidence.

“He reminds me of Ronaldo his first season in Europe he scored 30 goals and people were thinking: 'who is this 18 year old Brazilian kid?'

“He wanted the ball, he would run at players, there was no fear no matter what players or team he was playing against - and I see that similar attitude in Martinelli.

“He just wants to be on the ball and score goals. Ronaldo went on to be the best player in the world - and that can also be the aim of Martinelli."

Ronaldinho added: “I am sure that his first Brazil cap is very close - he is ready. Historically the national team has never been concerned with age. Ronaldo was playing for Brazil at 17 - and more recently Neymar and Jesus have played an important role when they were only teenagers.

“If you have the ability and the talent then you will get the chance - and the world can see that he (Martinelli) has the talent."