Arsenal told to treble top star’s wages as part of ‘parity’ demand, but agreement ‘not even close’

A report states Arsenal will have to triple what Gabriel Martinelli earns if they want to tie him down to a new contract, while cold water has been poured on claims that talks are ‘advanced’.

Martinelli has been highly rated at Arsenal ever since he joined from Brazilian outfit Ituano in July 2019. Coaches have always expected big things from the winger, though his first couple of seasons at the Emirates were hampered by injury.

Martinelli enjoyed a largely injury-free campaign in 2021-22 and this allowed him to force his way into Mikel Arteta’s starting eleven.

He put in some top performances against the likes of Manchester United, Newcastle and Everton to show what he is about.

Martinelli has reached another level in the early parts of the current season. He has almost matched his Premier League goal tally from last term (six), having found the net against Crystal Palace, Leicester, Aston Villa and Liverpool.

The 21-year-old was particularly impressive during the recent 3-2 victory over Jurgen Klopp’s side. Trent Alexander-Arnold couldn’t deal with him and he gave Arsenal the lead in the first minute of the game.

After Liverpool had equalised, Martinelli then set up Bukayo Saka for Arsenal’s second goal just before half time.

Martinelli and Saka both deserve new contracts to show how important they are now. Plus, their current terms expire in 2024 and this is of slight concern to Arsenal supporters.

Over the weekend, Football Insider claimed contract renewal talks between the Gunners and Martinelli were ‘advanced’.

Gabriel Martinelli contract discussions confirmed

The Brazilian then confirmed discussions were underway, saying: “Of course, I want to stay. We are talking. Let’s see what is going to happen. But I want to stay, of course.

“I think it’s my best season here at Arsenal. I’m so happy for this moment.”

Martinelli also revealed it is his ‘dream’ to win the Premier League title. This was almost impossible at Arsenal previously, but given their current form they cannot be written off this season.

Unfortunately for Arsenal fans, the Daily Mail provide a slightly negative update on Martinelli’s contract situation.

They dispute Football Insider’s report, stating an agreement on a new deal is ‘not even close’. Arsenal have plenty of work to do before tying the attacker down.

Star requests ‘parity’ with top earners

The main thing they need to focus on is Martinelli’s wages. He currently earns £70,000 a week. But given his importance to the side, Martinelli wants ‘parity’ with the club’s top earners.

As such, Arsenal will need to pretty much treble his wages to around £200k per week. This will see him take home similar money to Gabriel Jesus and Thomas Partey.

Fellow winger Saka is also in talks over a £200k a week extension and there are rumours that an ‘agreement in principle’ is in place with the Englishman.

The Daily Mail reveal how Arsenal see the Martinelli negotiations going. They want the deal to be done ‘sooner rather than later’, although there is no massive rush right now.

Martinelli is ‘settled’ in London and is very unlikely to push for a transfer with the way things are going. As such, Arsenal can take a bit of time to ensure his new contract is the right one.

While going  from £70k to £200k a week is a big leap, Martinelli deserves it. He has been sensational this season and has become a vital part of Arsenal’s attack.

They need to pay big money to ensure he remains part of Arteta’s forward line and doesn’t join one of their Premier League rivals.

Meanwhile, Rio Ferdinand claims Arteta has drawn comparisons between Martinelli and a Liverpool hero.