Arsenal report: Gabriel Martinelli could make shock Chelsea switch

Arsenal forward Gabriel Martinelli is on Chelsea's wishlist, following a blistering start to the season.

A key member of the Gunners' Brazilian core, Martinelli has nailed down the left-wing spot at the Emirates Stadium and scored three goals in his opening eight appearances alongside countryman and namesake, Gabriel Jesus. 

The 21-year-old moved to north London in 2019 from Ituano, shortly after fellow Brazilian Edu Gaspar joined the club as a director. Edu is said to be extremely close with the forward, who has since gone on to be captained by Brazil's senior squad and has even won Olympic gold out in Tokyo with his nation. 

According to the Mail, Chelsea are not perturbed by the youngster's love of the club and are monitoring his situation at the Emirates Stadium.

Martinelli told FFT in 2020 that he wanted to become a club legend and signed an improved contract just a year into his first Arsenal deal. He is now said to be earning around £50,000 a week but has become a key star for Mikel Arteta since penning that contract. 

Manchester City and Liverpool are both said to hold an interest in Martinelli, too, with Jurgen Klopp calling the Brazilian, "a talent of the century".

"He’s 18 years old, right? So our scouting department is all over the world and stuff like this, but I think Edu gets all the credit for that signing," the Reds boss claimed. "He’s really unbelievable. So young, looks so mature already, is a proper threat. Yeah, he looks like a really decent player."

Arsenal are likely to open contract talks for Martinelli alongside other key starlets William Saliba and Bukayo Saka, who are both due for improved deals. 

Martinelli is valued at around £36 million by Transfermarkt. 

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Arsenal were looking for a “mystery winger” to complete their squad, while a midfielder was also been touted. 

After Nicolas Pepe left the Gunners for more minutes on loan at Nice, manager Mikel Arteta declared a desire to “add firepower”, though he could not guarantee a new player will come in. The Gunners still have interest in Pedro Neto, as well as a Ukrainian wonderkid. 

Mohamed Elneny’s injury means that midfield is a little weak right now. FFT reported months ago that personal terms with Youri Tielemans were agreed, with the north Londoners just needing to agree a fee with Leicester: one obstacle remained on Deadline Day. In other news, Bukayo Saka has hinted that he’s close to extending his contract.