
Arsenal
Premier League • England
Arsenal told of critical deal they must make despite overrated claim, as Real Madrid threaten to derail Arteta project

Arsenal have been urged to tie Gabriel Martinelli down to fresh terms as quickly as possible, though the same observer has surprisingly questioned whether he’s good enough for Real Madrid.
The Brazilian, 21, continues to impress with each passing week. Martinelli has made the left wing position his own and already has four goals and two assists to his name this season.
A front four containing Martinelli, Martin Odegaard, Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Jesus is a fantastic blend. What’s more, the oldest of that quartet – Jesus – is only 25 years old.
Big things lay ahead for Arsenal, though they have two bits of housekeeping to attend to first.
The Gunners want to tie both Martinelli and Saka down to fresh terms. Both players’ contracts expire in 2024, though Arsenal do hold an option for an extra 12 months with Martinelli.
Regardless, they’re both viewed as cornerstones of Arsenal’s attack over the next decade and Goal report talks between Arsenal and Martinelli’s agent have opened.
Martinelli has a long-term admirer in Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp. There’s also been talk Chelsea’s ambitious part-owner, Todd Boehly, likes what he sees.
The Goal report also claimed Real Madrid could be in the mix, though according to former Gunner William Gallas, Martineli isn’t of the standard required to play for the European champions.
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Explaining that viewpoint, Gallas said: “I don’t think he’s good enough for Real Madrid yet.
“In football after two or three games, everyone is raving about that player, ‘he’s magnificent’ or ‘he’s a top-class player’. But no, calm down, let him have a great season to get to another level.
“He’s still young, he’s only 21. But if he goes step-by-step, he can go to a club like Real Madrid but right now he’s not ready.”
Despite believing Martinelli still has some way to go, Gallas was insistent Arsenal must tie the attacker down to fresh terms with all haste.
In his mind, any lingering uncertainty over the player’s future will do Martinelli no good whatsoever.
“I think Arsenal have to get that deal with Martinelli signed as quickly as possible,” the Frenchman continued.
“I’m sure he’s hearing so many things about him, like Real Madrid being interested. Sometimes the player can be confused.
“At the moment I think he’s playing well and Arsenal have to close that deal as soon as possible so he feels better in his mind.”
Would Martinelli play at Real Madrid?
For the sake of argument, if Martinelli were to join Real Madrid, it’s unlikely he’d be a starter.
He’s be in direct competition with fellow Brazilian Vinicius Jr. on the left wing. Even the most ardent of Arsenal fans would concede Vinicius is further along in his development at present.
Martinelli could conceivably play on the right, though he’d then have to contend with Rodrygo and Federico Valverde.
Valverde is held in extremely high regard at the Bernabeu, not least from midfielder Toni Kroos.
The German recently tweeted: “Fede Valverde top 3 in the world right now.”
Regardless, Martinelli doesn’t appear likely to be joining Real any time soon anyway.
Arsenal are a club clearly on an upwards trajectory and already look a shoo-in to qualify for next season’s Champions League.
Even if Arsenal fail to convince him to sign a new deal, the option they hold ensures Martinelli can remain under contract until 2025.