Chelsea are monitoring Gabriel Martinelli's contract situation at the Emirates Stadium as the Arsenal star enters the final two-years of his deal, according to reports. The 21-year-old has been central to much of Mikel Arteta's success at the Gunners, with his impressive displays said to be courting the attention of several Premier League clubs.
The Daily Mail state that the north London side's 'top-four rivals' have taken an interest in Martinelli in recent months amid growing uncertainty over the Brazil international's future at London Colney. And the Blues are believed to be among the clubs 'monitoring the winger's situation.
Martinelli has featured eight times for Arsenal in the Premier League this season, directly contributing towards four goals. His spritely displays have guided the Gunners towards the making of a title charge, which has seen him be tipped to become 'one of the world's best'.
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Following Arsenal's 3-1 win over Tottenham Hotspur in the north London derby, Granit Xhaka lauded the Brazilian for his role in the historic victory. Martinelli was unfortunate not to register a goal contribution, though his influence on the high-profile bout didn't go unnoticed.
Speaking to BBC Sport, the Switzerland international said: "Gabriel Martinelli has a lot to be one of the best. He goes 100 miles per hour. He has to push himself with how far he can go. He has the team and everything around to help him.
"When Mikel came three years ago, he said he needed time, and you can see the results. We have a big squad with a lot of potential, and we are showing it on the pitch. We have a different type of spirit and mentality in the team, and you can see that."
Todd Boehly welcomed eight players - one of whom has returned to their former club on loan and another who arrived on loan - to Stamford Bridge in the summer transfer window, amounting to nearly £270million. The aforementioned fee was spent on signing Raheem Sterling, Kalidou Koulibaly, Marc Cucurella, Wesley Fofana, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Carney Chukwuemeka, Gabriel Slonina and Denis Zakaria (loan fee).
And Chelsea have already made a start to next summer's business with Christopher Nkunku reportedly set to join the club. So, should Arsenal look to retain Martinelli, the Gunners should look to wrap up the £61million-rated winger's future in a swift fashion with the Blues seemingly prepared to complete deals in advance.
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