Arsenal stars Gabriel Jesus and Gabriel Martinelli have been nominated for the Samba Gold award - given to the best Brazilian player in different categories. The pair come within the men's group playing abroad, being nominated alongside the likes of Neymar and Vinicius Jr.
It comes as little surprise that both are amongst the nominees, given the impressive year that they have been through so far. Jesus was a fringe player at Manchester City, but since joining the Gunners he has become a key player in the frontline, adding quality on and off the ball.
"I think it lifts the standards with the way he's training every day," manager Mikel Arteta said on the 25-year-old earlier this season. "And the way that he's talking and the way that they [he and his teammates] are connecting." Since Jesus has joined, the upturn in form has been clear, sitting top of the Premier League and five points clear come the break for the World Cup.
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The striker managed to earn himself a call-up to the Brazil World Cup squad in Qatar - which may have seemed unlikely just a few months prior - though it was cut short through injury that could hurt Arsenal's campaign. One option that could play in his role is fellow nominee Martinelli.
The youngster impressed last season, but this time around he's taken it to another level by adding end product to his already tricky skillset. It's led to talks over his future and whilst the Brazil international's current deal technically expires in the summer of 2024, football.london understands that the club have the option to extend it by a further two years to 2026 - but an agreement over a fresh contract seems likely.
Should he sign the deal, that would come as a huge relief to the Gunners, who would be tying down one of their best young players for the long-term. It would also ward off any transfer interest as recent reports linked Barcelona with an attempt to lure the 21-year-old away.
It's not just the Spanish giants though as MediaFoot claim that PSG are also monitoring a potential move for the winger as an option in the future.
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