Andrea Berta is getting to know the Arsenal squad as the newly appointed sporting director gets to work on contracts.
After Berta was unveiled as sporting director in March, the Italian seemingly got stuck in immediately in preparation for the summer transfer window.
Key players are already in talks over new contracts, including William Saliba, who has been heavily linked to Real Madrid.
Mikel Arteta will be eager to retain the majority of his squad, but considering Arsenal’s need to spend in the summer, change is also expected.
Arsenal’s stance on Gabriel Martinelli’s contract
One player who has become the talking point of contracts is Gabriel Martinelli, whose current deal expires in 2027, with the option of a further year.
Martinelli has had a difficult season, which has led some to consider whether an upgrade on the Brazilian is needed.
Competition certainly is, as Arsenal are looking at Rodrygo to bolster their left side, but what do the club think about Martinelli’s future?
The Athletic have shared an insight into the Gunners’ stance on the 23-year-old’s next steps, confirming that ‘significant talks’ have not been held over an extension.
The report reveals that while Arsenal ‘intend’ to keep their best players, including Martinelli, talks around a new contract for the Brazil international are not considered to be ‘urgent’.
Due to Martinelli’s contract expiring in 2027, with a 2028 extension already possible, the club haven’t felt the need to delve into fresh contract talks as of yet.
The Athletic noted that in the instance that a ‘huge offer’ arrived for Martinelli, ‘plans could shift’, with Arsenal valuing the winger at £50m.
What Martinelli thinks about leaving Arsenal
What’s most important to note about Martinelli is that while Arsenal have a sale price in mind and have no urgency to renew his current deal, the Brazilian has little to no desire to leave.
It’s said that selling the winger would ‘not be easy’, mainly due to there being a ‘relatively small’ group of elite clubs that the 23-year-old would be willing to leave for.
The Athletic made it abundantly clear that Martinelli has a deep connection with Arsenal and sees North London as his home, stating that the 2019 signing has ‘no designs’ to leave.
It’s set to be a fascinating summer at Arsenal, and a crucial year ahead for Martinelli, who has the chance to restore trust in those at the club after a lacklustre few seasons.
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