It was confirmed on Saturday that Neymar will miss Brazil’s second group stage match against Switzerland after he suffered an ankle injury against Serbia. The forward was substituted late into the second half.
Gabriel Martinelli was used as a second-half substitute in Brazil’s 2-0 win over Serbia, which highlighted that he has a place in Tite’s plans. And Neymar’s injury meant that there is space in the attack for a replacement.
To Martinelli’s disappointment, he was not selected to replace the Paris Saint-Germain star, which means now he must find minutes off the bench for a second consecutive match. It is due to this that Arsenal could benefit in contract negotiations.
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90min have reported that Arsenal are pushing hard to tie Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli and William Saliba down to new long-term contracts. The report goes on to claim that Edu believes all three deals are on the right track, with the Gunners hopeful that all three will have put pen to paper by January.
Martinelli not starting for Brazil on the biggest of footballing stages prevents other clubs from potentially getting an extra scout report, which could eventually lead to serious transfer interest. The World Cup has been a tournament that has notoriously led to many transfers in the past.
With the Brazilian not playing it means that Arsenal could have less competitors in securing Martinelli’s contract, which makes negotiations in agreeing to a deal less complicated.
Martinelli signed for the Gunners in 2019 with the north London side yet to play in Europe’s elite competition since he joined. However, this season could be the campaign where this changes with Mikel Arteta’s side currently in the driving seat to qualify for the Champions League, as Arsenal sit at the top of the Premier League and have a 12-point safety net in the qualification zone for the Champions League.
The youngster has been performing excellently on the left-hand side for Arsenal in recent months, and it is for that reason he has been called up to the senior Brazil squad. Martinelli touched on how it is one of his dreams to play in a World Cup and with the next edition of this competition set to take place in less than two weeks, the Brazilian national coach has included the winger in his 26-man squad.
It seems that the Brazilian could already be on board with signing a new deal, as speaking on a possible new contract, he told reporters at Arsenal's pre-Zurich press conference: "I want to stay they just need to give me a pen. I am very happy at Arsenal. I said it many times, I love to be here. I love the city, I love everything about Arsenal so I want to stay."
The youngster has been a sensation since breaking into Arteta’s starting line-up last season. Securing a new deal is pivotal in Arsenal’s rebuild.
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