Former Arsenal striker Kevin Campbell has lavished praise on Gunners starlet Gabriel Martinelli, claiming that the teenager reminds him of Ronaldo.

Martinelli quickly became a fan favourite at the Emirates Stadium following his summer move from Ituano last year, with the 19-year-old hitting double figures in his first season in English football.

The Brazilian is currently sidelined with a knee problem but is expected to return to action soon, and Campbell has compared Martinelli to one of the game's legendary strikers ahead of his imminent comeback.

Speaking to Football Insider, Campbell said: "I think Martinelli is the one, I really do. Martinelli was sensational when he came in last season.

"He is a real handful – strong, direct and reminds me of the Brazilian Ronaldo. The way that he picks up the ball and runs at goal is phenomenal.

"I am not saying that he is Ronaldo but he reminds me of him, especially with that goal he scored at Chelsea. Big future but I do not want to put too much pressure on him because he suffered that injury and he needs time to come back and get his feet under the table again, get comfortable and play games.

"Players tend to get long-term injuries and then come back and pick a niggle up somewhere else. He will need time to get back into the swing of things."

Martinelli had to undergo surgery on his knee injury but is now set to return to full training by the end of the year.