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Chelsea interest in incredible Arsenal attacker prompts telling update on transfer chances

Arsenal attackers Martin Odegaard and Gabriel Martinelli

Chelsea are among a series of clubs sniffing around Gabriel Martinelli and interest in the Arsenal ace has prompted a telling response from Fabrizio Romano.

The Brazilian winger, 21, has taken his game to new heights this season. The left wing is his own and his pace, dribbling ability and end product is quickly making him a right-back’s worst nightmare.

The under-fire Trent Alexander-Arnold will be the next to experience what it’s like trying to stop Martinelli on Sunday. Given how both players have started the season, the Reds defender could be in for a torrid evening.

Martinelli has scored three and assisted one in the league so far this season.

However, the threat he provides often forces opposition sides to double up, thus creating more space for the likes of Martin Odegaard and Granit Xhaka to thrive further in field.

He is an integral part of Arsenal’s future and everything the Gunners are doing well at present. However, his rapid rise hasn’t gone unnoticed.

The Daily Mail recently reported Chelsea are monitoring the electric winger. 

Under the new ownership, Chelsea were Europe’s biggest spenders last summer. They show no signs of stopping, with a Christopher Nkunku deal quickly taking shape.

Adding both he and Martinelli to their forward line would go some way to resolving their issues in the final third. However, according to Fabrizio Romano, Arsenal need not worry.

Arsenal have long-term Martinelli plan

Via Caught Offside, the transfer specialist acknowledged “many top clubs” are following Martinelli.

The Mail’s piece stated Martinelli was drawing interest from ‘Arsenal’s top four rivals’, suggesting Chelsea aren’t the only admirer.

However, Romano noted Arsenal rate Martinelli highly and have plans in place to offer him a contract extension. His current deal expires in 2024, while Arsenal hold an option for a further 12 months.

While signing a new deal wouldn’t necessarily ensure Martinelli won’t leave, it would be an indication from both club and player that his current situation in north London is going well.

“Many top clubs are following Martinelli,” said Romano. “But I’m told Arsenal have been planning to offer him a new contract for long time.

“So, Arsenal have still a chance to keep Martinelli as he’s considered a top player for the future.”

Arsenal want two more contract extensions

Aside from Martinelli, the Gunners want to extend the stays of both William Saliba and Bukayo Saka too.

Romano recently revealed Saliba was Barcelona’s back-up plan had they not signed Jules Kounde. Whether they’d have been able to convince Arsenal sell is another matter entirely.

Indeed, Saliba is understood to be ‘untouchable’ at Arsenal. Given his commanding displays so far this season it’s easy to see why.

Discussions over a new deal are reportedly under way and Saliba himself has hinted as much.

Saka is another held in high regard at the Emirates. Reports all across the media over the last 24 hours have claimed a £200,000-a-week offer has been tabled.

If signed, Saka would become the highest paid player at the club.

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