Gabriel Martinelli of Arsenal has been on the transfer radar of Chelsea. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)
Arsenal star Gabriel Martinelli has surprised the board with a massive wage request and is not ‘close’ to signing a new deal at the Emirates amid Chelsea interest, according to the Daily Mail (h/t Metro).
The Brazilian has been one of the best players for his side this season. The 21-year-old’s current contract expires in 2024, with the Gooners having the option of extending it for another year.
Martinelli joined the north London side for £7 million in 2019 from Brazilian side Ituano Futebol Clube. Since then the Brazilian international has established himself as a regular for Mikel Arteta’s side.
He has been having an excellent season so far, having scored four goals in nine league games for his side. The Brazilian was also on fire against Liverpool last weekend, scoring his side’s first goal in their 3-2 win at the Emirates.
While there is an acceptance from Arsenal’s board that the winger deserves an increase for his excellent performances, he has shocked them with his demands. The 21-year-old has demanded parity with the top earners at the club like Thomas Partey and Gabriel Jesus who are on £200,000-a-week.
The Gooners had expected to double his salary, but his demands mean that the club would have to almost triple the deal. While the north London club wants to keep the player, they hope to come to an agreement on a lower salary.
Chelsea could take advantage of this situation. The 21-year-old is one of the best youngsters around and having him on the team would only benefit the club. His being a proven Premier League player is just the icing on the cake.
Striking a deal with the Gooners could prove to be a task. They will demand nothing more than a premium price for their star youngster and Graham Potter will have to be sure if he wants Martinelli on his team. It remains to be seen if the Blues make an offer for the 21-year-old anytime soon.
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