LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 30: Gabriel Martinelli of Arsenal scores his sides third penalty during the penalty shoot out during the Carabao Cup Round of 16 match between Liverpool and Arsenal at Anfield on October 30, 2019 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images)

Brazil chief Juninho visits Martinelli: In their senior plans

Feb 13, 2020

The Selection Coordinator for the Brazilian National Team, Juninho Paulista, was in London to visit Gabriel Martinelli this week.

Chelsea FC v Arsenal FC Premier League 1579692675 — LONDON, ENGLAND – JANUARY 21: Gabriel Martinelli of Arsenal scores his team’s first goal during the Premier League match between Chelsea FC and Arsenal FC at Stamford Bridge on January 21, 2020, in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)

O Globo report that Juninho Paulista travelled to London to visit Gabriel Martinelli on Wednesday. The main objective was to talk about the player’s choice of senior international team.

Brazil already gave Martinelli a call-up for the u23s in January, but Arsenal blocked it. According to O Globo, Martinelli is already in head coach Tite’s plans as well.

This summer, the Brazil u23s are likely to call Martinelli up again. They recently qualified for the Olympics, scraping through with a win in their final group game. Italy could provide competition though, with the Euros coming up.

Martinelli can feature for either country, as he grew up in Brazil with an Italian father. Jorginho recently tried to convince the 18-year-old to join up with the squad in March, for their final international break before the summer.

The teenager says he isn’t rushing to a decision yet though. He dreams of playing for Brazil, but could still play for Italy too. Hence, Juninho’s visit. The Brazil senior side might want to think about giving him a call-up soon to get him tied down.