Arsenal are looking to firm up one of the strongest squads in their recent history and aren’t just focusing on new arrivals this summer.
According to an update from PA Sport’s Mark Mann-Byrans, the Gunners have opened negotiations with Gabriel Martinelli to discuss a new and improved contract.
Understand that contract talks with Gabriel Martinelli have recently opened.
Expected to be on much improved terms.
Would be seen as a reward for fine form given he still has plenty of time to run on current deal and club already has an option to extend by a year.
— Mark Mann-Bryans (@MarkyMBryans) August 19, 2022
The Brazilian has had a tremendous start to the season having already landed two goals in his first three games whilst securing the spot at left forward.
Still just 21 years of age, Martinelli has become a fan and manager favourite with Mikel Arteta having played him for 254 of the 270 minutes possible so far.
The reports of a new contract are good for all parties involved, with Arsenal still relaxed over the terms given his current deal still has two years to run.
The club also have an option to extend his current deal for an extra year, so it’s likely that this will become a mini extension with much better salary and bonus payments.
It’s widely reported that Martinelli is currently being paid £90k per week, putting him within the top 10 of earners at the club.
However, as his stock begins to rise so does the possibility of losing the player Arsenal paid just £6m for back in 2019, an absolute steal given his contribution.
Martinelli has repeatedly stated on the record that he would be happy to stay at the club for the rest of his life, but we’d feel more comfortable with that in the form of a contract!
Arteta and the team will look to get this one over the line as soon as they can with the boss previously stating that contract negotiations can be an unwelcome distraction.