Cedric Soares once said Arsenal have a player who plays like Cristiano Ronaldo, now Mikel Arteta could replace him

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Arsenal’s squad is filled with top-class players.

Mikel Arteta has completely transformed the Gunners over the last five-and-a-half years, and the side he has built is capable of beating any team in the world on their day.

The likes of Bukayo Saka, Martin Odegaard, Declan Rice and William Saliba are the superstars in this current Arsenal squad, but there are others who are capable of so much more than they have shown recently.

Gabriel Martinelli is one of them, and Cedric Soares’ past comments about him explain that.

Cedric Soares once compared Arsenal teammate Gabriel Martinelli to Cristiano Ronaldo

Cristiano Ronaldo is one of the greatest to ever play the game.

The Portuguese superstar has done it all over the years at multiple clubs, and he is still going strong at the age of 40 at Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia.

Arsenal have several players who look up to the former Manchester United man. Saka has revealed that Ronaldo is his inspiration, while young Ethan Nwaneri called Ronaldo his idol too.

The most similar player to Ronaldo at Arsenal, however, is Gabriel Martinelli.

The Brazilian’s ability on the left flank, the way he drives forward and his capacity to create and score goals are similar to that of a young Ronaldo.

Cedric Soares, who has trained and played with Ronaldo, made that claim too a few years ago.

“Gabi has this aim for goal. He likes to attack the space, like Cristiano [Ronaldo],” Cedric said in an interview with the Evening Standard.

“He likes to score goals, like everyone does. But, Gabi has this willingness to fight. Even when he doesn’t play, he keeps working the same way.

“He is an easy young kid to talk with. You talk and you can see he listens to you. He’s talented, but the way he works is fantastic.”

Gabriel Martinelli could lose his place at Arsenal

Martinelli is Arsenal’s first-choice left-winger at the moment.

The Brazil international battles for that spot with Leandro Trossard, and not a lot has separated the two players in recent seasons.

Now, Arsenal have been heavily linked with a move for multiple players in Martinelli’s position, which suggests that Arteta is looking for an upgrade.

Nico Williams has been a target for Arsenal for a long time, while AC Milan star Rafael Leao is on Andrea Berta’s wish list too.

If Arsenal sign either of the above names, Martinelli will be replaced in Arsenal’s starting line-up next season.