Gabriel Martinelli gives Arsenal transfer target glowing reference as toughest opponent named

Gabriel Martinelli has given an Arsenal transfer target a glowing reference by naming the 21-year-old as his toughest opponent to date.

Martinelli is enjoying regular game time this season after knee and ankle problems kept him out for significant parts of the 2020-21 campaign. The attacker has made 22 appearances in all competitions so far this term.

All four of his goals have come in the Premier League. The Brazilian’s most exhilarating performance was against Leeds United back in December.

The Whites were forced to put out a depleted defence due to injuries and Martinelli capitalised. He gave Arsenal the lead in the 16th minute with an accomplished finish into the top corner.

The 20-year-old then put Arsenal 2-0 up 12 minutes later. He was sent through on goal by midfielder Granit Xhaka and went on to beat Illan Meslier with a delightful chip.

Martinelli has not found the net since then, although he remains an important part of Mikel Arteta’s forward line.

Arsenal are supposedly monitoring several players ahead of the summer transfer window, and Martinelli has now given them the green light to sign one.

Gabriel Martinelli reveals toughest opponent

During a recent interview with The Athletic, the winger was asked about his toughest opponent so far. He replied: “Actually the guy from Nottingham Forest, Djed Spence, who I played against in the FA Cup.

“He is very strong, good on the ball, calm and quick. I was surprised – he is a really good player!”

Spence is an exciting right-back who is on loan at Forest from Middlesbrough. He put in a solid display as Forest beat Arsenal 1-0 in the FA Cup third round.

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According to the Daily Mirror, Arteta’s side are keeping tabs on Spence’s development ahead of a potential bid this summer.

And having impressed Martinelli, the young Englishman could well make an impact if he were to join the Gunners.

However, a transfer will not be straightforward as Spence is also on Tottenham’s radar. Serie A teams Inter and Roma are reportedly preparing offers, too.

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Arsenal boss to receive contract offer

Meanwhile, Arteta is set to be offered a new Arsenal contract which will see him match the wages of legendary boss Arsene Wenger, according to a report.

The Sun claim club owner Stan Kroenke is ready to sanction a new three-year deal worth £25million for the Spaniard.

Should the fresh terms go ahead, it will see Arteta earn around £8.3m per season. The pay rise is somewhat overdue, too. The Spaniard became manager in September 2020, after previously holding the role of first team coach, although his wage did not increase at the time.

The long-term deal will see Arteta match the wages of club legend Wenger. He was also on £8.3m during his final season at the Emirates, back in 2017-18.

It seems Kroenke and Arsenal are willing to place their trust in the 39-year-old once again. He is attempting to install an attractive style of play at the club, which fits in with their DNA.

READ MORE: Chelsea, Man Utd target pushed towards exit door – but Arsenal now want him