Former Arsenal defender Lauren believes that Gabriel Martinelli has the mentality and hunger to be a top player for the Gunners for years to come.
The 18-year-old has impressed since moving to north London from Brazilian side Ituano in the summer, with Martinelli netting eight goals in 17 appearances for the Gunners in all competitions so far this season.
That includes a goal on his first Premier League start against West Ham earlier this month, while he has featured in all six games under interim head coach Freddie Ljungberg.
And although Arsenal will now have a new man in charge, with Mikel Arteta coming in as the Gunners' head coach, Lauren believes Martinelli can be an important player for the former midfielder.
“He had a great match against Manchester City. [Gabriel] Martinelli showed personality. He showed character," Lauren said, speaking exclusively to 888sport .
"Arsenal fans should be optimistic because the youngsters are coming up and showing a lot of quality and also a lot of ambition.
"Martinelli took on players and he had that kind of hunger that we need. I don’t like to compare him to anybody. We have to be calm and settle down and look at the long term.
"This guy has a lot of quality, he is quick, and most importantly he has the mentality to be fighting for everything.
"That is very important for a youngster to have that. They might have the technical ability but they also need the mentality and ambition to win things. I like him.”
Read the full 888sport interview with Lauren here .
