Chelsea are reportedly 'monitoring' Gabriel Martinelli, with the attacker playing a leading role in Arsenal's impressive start to the 2022-23 campaign.
The Gunners sit at the top of the Premier League table with 21 points to show from their opening eight matches, and they recorded a 3-1 victory over Tottenham Hotspur in the North London derby on Saturday.
Martinelli has been in strong form for Mikel Arteta's side this term, scoring three goals and registering one assist in eight appearances for the capital outfit.
The Brazil international has now scored 21 goals and registered 14 assists in 93 appearances for Arsenal since joining the club from Brazilian outfit Ituano in 2019.
Martinelli's current deal with Arsenal is due to expire in June 2024, although the Gunners do have the option of extending the agreement for another year.
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According to the Daily Mail, Arteta's team are preparing to open talks with the Brazilian over a new and improved deal at the Emirates Stadium.
However, the report claims that Chelsea are keeping a close eye on the developments and could make a move if Arsenal run into difficulties when it comes to a new contract.
Martinelli scored in three of his side's first five Premier League games of the season, while he provided an assist in the 3-1 win over Tottenham on Saturday.
"When he wasn't playing, he was all the time in my office and every time showing me on the pitch how wrong I was," Arteta told reporters in September.
"And, (from) the moment that we agreed that he was ready to do it, the way he has improved, the way he is helping the team and still the room for improvement he has is phenomenal.
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"He's just a sad boy (when he's not playing). He loves what he does. He's so eager to do whatever it takes for him to play that he's all the time there, pushing you and giving you the right reasons to give him more minutes. It's just a joy to watch the freedom and personality that he plays with."
Meanwhile, Granit Xhaka has claimed that his Arsenal teammate has the potential to become one of the leading players in world football.
"Gabriel Martinelli has a lot to be one of the best. He goes 100mph. He has to push himself with how far he can go. He has the team and everything around to help him," Xhaka told reporters after Saturday's clash with Antonio Conte's side.
Arsenal have now won their last three matches since suffering a 3-1 defeat at Manchester United on September 4, and they will now switch their attention to the Europa League, preparing to face Bodo/Glimt on Thursday ahead of their next Premier League clash with Liverpool this weekend.
Matt Law
