Ramires Warns Arsenal Could Inevitably Lose Martinelli to Real Madrid

• Former Chelsea midfielder Ramires has warned Arsenal they could lose his compatriot Gabriel Martinelli to bigger clubs
• Martinelli is one of Arsenal's best players this season as they push for a first Premier League title since 2004
• Ramires applauds Martinelli's talent and says it is inevitable bigger clubs like Real Madrid come calling soon

Former Chelsea midfielder Ramires is in awe of the amount of talent possessed by his countryman and Arsenal young winger Gabriel Martinelli.

Martinelli endured an injury laden season last year but has stepped up for Arsenal this season, making the left-wing his own in Mikel Arteta's 4-2-3-1 system.

Ramires has now warned Arsenal it's only a matter of time before top clubs like Real Madrid and Juventus come knocking for the 21 year old Brazil international.

The Arsenal star is currently with Brazil in Qatar for the FIFA World Cup having made the final list despite not making the list for the previous international games.

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Ramires happy for Martinelli

Ramires, who spent six years at Chelsea exclusively told Ladbrokes as quoted by Caught Offside that it's great seeing a young Brazilian step up.

"Gabriel Martinelli is a terrific player, he’s been absolutely tremendous for Arsenal this season, and it’s great to see a young Brazilian coming through and showing so much maturity." he said.

Martinelli has made 20 appearances in all competitions and started all 14 Premier League games for Arsenal this season. He has scored five goals and assisted two goals, according to stats provided by Transfermarkt.

Ramires has warned Arsenal its inevitable top clubs will come calling and it's up to Arsenal to try their best to keep one of Europe's brightest young wingers.

''It’s inevitable that huge clubs like Real Madrid and Juventus will come knocking on the door. At Arsenal, he is playing for a huge club with lots of ambition, but of course, there’s always going to be another level.'' he said.

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Martinelli's current contract expires in 2024, though the club has an option of extending for a further year, the Gunners will move quickly to sign him to a lengthier contract.

Barcelona wants Gabriel Martinelli

Ramires words have not come too soon as Sports Brief earlier reported that Barcelona are interested in Martinelli and have been watching him closely in Qatar.

Barcelona wants to bolster their attacking options and are looking at young prospects who they can hold on to for a longer time, having previously invested in old and free agents.

Arsenal will certainly be unwilling to listen to offers for their Brazilian who is forming an important part of the squad Mikel Arteta is building.