Gabriel Martinelli impressed once again in Arsenal's huge clash against Liverpool at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday afternoon. The Brazilian popped up with a goal and an assist in a game in which he wreaked havoc on the Reds backline, continuously isolating the full-backs one-on-one.
His goal marked a quick start for the Gunners in a test of their title credentials, scoring less than one minute into the game. The winger drifted beyond the defensive line with time and space once the ball was threaded to him, comfortably sweeping the ball home to make the home crowd erupt.
Darwin Nunez equalised midway through the half before Arsenal struck back again in injury time, taking a lead into the break. It was Martinelli at the centre of it again, finding space on the left before Trent Alexander-Arnold vacated the middle of the box to allow the Brazilian to square it for Bukayo Saka to tap the ball in.
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It continues the 21-year-old's imperious form this season, where he has added plenty of end product to his tricky skillset at his disposal. That could, however, bring about a concern when it comes to his long-term future at Arsenal, given his dwindling contract situation.
His current deal expires in 2024, meaning there are less than two-years remaining on his deal and reports of interest from rivals Chelsea. Amid those concerns, football.london understands Arsenal hold a two-year club option of an extension on that 2024 date on Martinelli's contract.
It should put any contract worries to rest for the time being, though there may still be an incentive to reward him with an improved offer. It was something Mikel Arteta discussed when asked about contract offers for several youngsters approaching their last few years.
"We have to plan for the future. We are all working on it, obviously Edu and all the board is on top of it and we will try to do things in the right way, being fair and trying to plan the best possible way to reward the players that, in our opinion, have a big future for the club. When we have something to announce, we will do that."
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