Arsenal are keen to tie three of their young stars down to new deals as soon as possible. Talks have begun with Bukayo Saka, William Saliba and Gabriel Martinelli, with the Gunners trio having just 20 months left on their contracts in north London.
football.london understands that the Gunners have a one-year extension option on Saka and Saliba, while they hold a two-year option on Martinelli. Despite the options to extend, Arsenal are still keen to get the trio signed to new deals.
All three players are among Europe's brightest talents and have played an integral role in helping the Gunners reach the top of the Premier League table. Saka has been linked with a move to Chelsea, Saliba with PSG and Martinelli to Real Madrid.
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However, Martinelli has been told that he is not good enough to join Los Blancos amid reports of the La Liga giants expressing an interest in the Brazilian. Former Gunners defender William Gallas believes Martinelli needs to continue his current form over the course of a whole season to prove that he's good enough to sign for last season's Champions League winners.
"I think Arsenal have to get that deal with Martinelli signed as quickly as possible," Gallas told Genting Casino.
"I'm sure he's hearing so many things about him, like Real Madrid being interested. Sometimes the player can be confused. At the moment, I think he's playing well, and Arsenal have to close that deal as soon as possible, so he feels better in his mind.
"I don't think he's good enough for Real Madrid yet. In football, after two or three games, everyone is raving about that player, 'he's magnificent' or 'he's a top-class player', but no, calm down, let him have a great season to get to another level. He's still young, and he's only 21.
"But if he goes step-by-step, he can go to a club like Real Madrid, but right now, he's not ready."
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