Arsenal ace Martinelli flattered by Klopp’s ‘talent of the century’ praise that sparked Liverpool transfer rumours

ARSENAL strike starlet Gabriel Martinelli is “very proud” Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp called him a “talent of the century” – praise that sparked transfer rumours.

But Brazilian Martinelli, 18, shrugged off all speculation, amid reported interest from Real Madrid, insisting his “head” is with the Gunners.

Klopp made his astonishing tribute to Martinelli last October as he saluted Arsenal‘s youngsters following what will surely remain one of the matches of the season.

Liverpool KO’d the Gunners 5-4 on penalties after a 5-5 draw at Anfield in the EFL Cup fourth round.

And the German told the Reds’ website: “Sepp van den Berg [Liverpool centre-back] as well, he played an incredible game.

“That’s really difficult to deal with these guys.

“Martinelli’s pretty much the same age but he’s a talent of the century, he’s an incredible striker, so it’s really difficult.”

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Now the £6million summer recruit from Brazilians Ituano has stressed how much Klopp’s words meant to him.

He told Marca: “I feel very proud that one of the best tacticians in the world speaks well of me.

“I have to remain firm, focused and continue working to achieve greater things.”

Klopp’s fulsome comments inevitably ignited talk of interest from Liverpool.

But such speculation never became serious – and instead La Liga leaders Real were recently linked with the Under-23 international.

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But Martinelli quickly dampened down rumours, saying he is more than happy to develop at the Emirates.

Asked if he had heard from Zinedine Zidane’s Real, he replied: ‘No, nothing has come to me.

“I am focused here doing my job at Arsenal and my head is here.”