The 18-year-old Gabriel Martinelli has shone in his first season in England, scoring 10 goals in all competitions after his £6m move from Brazilian fourth-division side Ituano last summer.

Wilson was keen to praise Martinelli and revealed details of conversation with the club's technical director Edu about the youngster.

"I think we've got an absolute diamond in Martinelli," said the former Arsenal goalkeeper speaking to Dan Mountney at the Islington Gazette recently.

"I've spoken to Edu about him and he has this ability to sniff out chances that others don't have.

"It's almost this carefree kind of thing, and Edu said that is the thing they feel about him, that he almost has this sixth-sense to get into the right positions."

Despite joining the club as a player for the future, Martinelli has made 14 Premier League appearances in a breakthrough campaign in north London.

Wilson believes that the Brazilian will be crucial to Arsenal's future and thinks the likes of Alexandre Lacazette and captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang will be worried about losing their place to the emerging forward.

"He is crucial to the future, even if it's at the expense of Lacazette and Aubameyang," he said.

"You look at those guys right now and they are the ones more likely to be recognised as playing, but not now.

"I haven't seen Lacazette or Aubameyang - both very good players - give the energy that Martinelli has shown."

Bob Wilson on Bukayo Saka

Much-loved Arsenal legend Wilson was also quick to hail Martinelli's fellow teen starlet Bukayo Saka.

Wilson revealed he has been telling people to keep an eye on Bukayo Saka for a number of years and is excited to see if the Gunners youngster can fulfil his potential.

Saka has had a breakthrough campaign at the Emirates, with the 18-year-old playing 25 games across all competitions, scoring three goals and assisting eight - more than any of his team-mates.

Wilson revealed that he has been tipping Arsenal fans off about the Englishman's potential for a number of years, telling the Islington Gazette: "People have been talking to me about him for the past two years, about his potential.

"I've been saying to people to keep an eye on him. I have great hopes for him."

Saka has been asked to play at left-back by Arteta following injuries to Kieran Tierney and Sead Kolasinac, and he has impressed despite being out of position.

Wilson believes he is better suited in his natural position on the wing though, with the former goalkeeper raising concerns over his height.

"It scares me a bit when he's at the back because he's quite short and if a ball is heaved into the box and you up against someone big you aren't going to win it," he said.

"His best position is further forward."

Another youngster has also caught Wilson's eye this season, with the 78-year-old adding: "I'm very impressed by Joe Willock's attitude so I'm really interested in him."

Read Dan Mountney in the Islington Gazete newspaper

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