Gabriel Martinelli is one of Arsenal’s top priorities for a new contract amid reported interest from top-four rivals including Chelsea.

BRENTFORD, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 18: Gabriel Martinelli during the Premier League match between Brentford FC and Arsenal FC at Brentford Community Stadium on September 18, 2022 in Brentford, England. (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images)
BRENTFORD, ENGLAND: Gabriel Martinelli during the Premier League match between Brentford FC and Arsenal FC at Brentford Community Stadium on September 18, 2022. (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images)

The Daily Mail report that the wheels are expected to start moving on an improved contract for Gabriel Martinelli in the near future. Arsenal’s top-four rivals have shown an interest in Martinelli in recent months, including Chelsea.

Martinelli has always been insistent in the past that he sees a long-term future at Arsenal, and it’s hard to see what would have dissuaded him from that notion in recent months.

The Brazilian is as important to the Arsenal team as he’s ever been, and the team are playing better than they ever have during his spell at the club, so the current situation seems to suit everyone.

It’s worth mentioning that Martinelli’s contract situation isn’t quite as urgent as fellow young stars Bukayo Saka and William Saliba.

Whilst all three see their contracts expiring in 2024, Martinelli has a one-year club option to extend to 2025. So the young Brazilian effectively still has three years left on his deal.

But that seems like a good time to sort out his contract, while there’s no urgent pressure to reach an agreement and things are going well for Martinelli individually and Arsenal as a team.

Arsenal's Brazilian forward Gabriel Jesus (back) celebrates with Gabriel Martinelli after scoring his team's fifth goal during a club-friendly football match between Arsenal and Sevilla at the Emirates Stadium in London on July 30, 2022. (Photo by JUSTIN TALLIS/AFP via Getty Images)
Arsenal’s Brazilian forward Gabriel Jesus (back) celebrates with Gabriel Martinelli after scoring his team’s fifth goal during a club-friendly football match between Arsenal and Sevilla at the Emirates Stadium in London on July 30, 2022. (Photo by JUSTIN TALLIS/AFP via Getty Images)

Martinelli has three goals and an assist in his first eight games of the Premier League season, and the stats suggest he’s been unlucky not to rack up more. As long as he can stay fit, he looks set for a big season with the Gunners.