Chelsea are reportedly keeping a close eye on Gabriel Martinelli, who has been instrumental in Arsenal’s strong start to the 2022-23 season.
The Gunners lead the Premier League table with 21 points from their first eight games, and they defeated Tottenham Hotspur 3-1 in the North London derby on Saturday.
Martinelli has been in fine form for Mikel Arteta’s side this season, hitting three goals and earning one assist in eight games.
Since joining Arsenal from Brazilian club Ituano in 2019, the Brazil international has produced 21 goals and recorded 14 assists in 93 games.
Martinelli’s current contract with Arsenal expires in June 2024, but the Gunners have the option to extend it for another year.
According to the Daily Mail, Arteta’s team are ready to begin discussions with the Brazilian over a new and improved contract at the Emirates Stadium.
However, the report claims that Chelsea are keeping close tabs on the situation and could make a move if Arsenal encounters difficulty in negotiating a new contract.
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Martinelli scored in three of his team’s first five Premier League games of the season, and he assisted in Saturday’s 3-1 triumph over Tottenham.
“When he wasn’t playing, he was all the time in my office and every time showing me on the pitch how wrong I was,” Arteta told reporters in September.
“And, (from) the moment that we agreed that he was ready to do it, the way he has improved, the way he is helping the team and still the room for improvement he has is phenomenal.
“He’s just a sad boy (when he’s not playing). He loves what he does. He’s so eager to do whatever it takes for him to play that he’s all the time there, pushing you and giving you the right reasons to give him more minutes. It’s just a joy to watch the freedom and personality that he plays with.”
Arsenal have now won three consecutive matches after losing 3-1 at Manchester United on September 4, and they will now turn their attention to the Europa League, where they will face Bodo/Glimt on Thursday before facing Liverpool this weekend in the Premier League.
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