Arsenal are poised to offer Gabriel Martinelli a new contract that would triple his wages as the Gunners look to ward off interest from Real Madrid.
According to Daily Mail, Arsenal are now desperate to convince Gabriel Martinelli to sign a new contract. The new deal is expected to triple the attacker’s wages from £10k a week to around £30k a week, though the duration of the contract, which expires in 2024, is expected to remain the same.
This comes after Real Madrid showcased their intent on signing the Brazilian sensation, who has enjoyed a rapid start to his Arsenal career. The Spanish giants have already invested a lot of money in young players and are believed to value Martinelli around £50 million.
That is quite understandable as the 18-year-old has already found the back of the net ten times in 21 competitive matches. Although seven of those goals have come in cup matches, his outstanding performance in the recent draw with Chelsea highlighted his composure and ability to perform at the highest stage of the football.
Moreover, Martinelli not only impressed with his goalscoring traits but also his aggression and pace. Indeed, the Brazilian sensation demonstrated an excellent show of pace by initiating a host of counter-attacks while his willingness to close down the Chelsea defenders pressurised the opposition into making defensive errors.
Therefore, Martinelli seems like a tailor-made fit for Arteta’s tactical philosophy. And with Reiss Nelson and Nicolas Pepe struggling to make any notable impact in the Premier League this season, his presence in the team could be critical for the club.
Not to mention, Arsenal could also run the risk of losing Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang in the summer. He has already been linked with a move to Barcelona earlier in the campaign. And his potential departure from the Emirates could be a massive blow for the club.
However, that’s where Martinelli could fit in. The youngster can be considered as a long-term replacement for the Gabonese international at left-wing, with Alexandre Lacazette leading the attack. Therefore, Arsenal are definitely taking the right step by tripling his wages in an attempt to prolong his stay at the club.
But, that doesn’t rule out Real Madrid’s potential involvement in Martinelli’s transfer saga next summer. He could join their batch of exciting Brazilian young talents next season consisting of Reinier Jesus, Vinicius Junior and Rodrygo.
What makes Martinelli an appealing target for Real Madrid is the fact that he has already shown what he is capable of, in the European football – something all three of Reinier, Rodrygo and Vinicius lacked prior to their respective move to the Spanish capital.
