In recent years, clubs were reluctant to go anywhere near Arsenal’s players as a result of their age, lacklustre performances or questionable attitudes. Sometimes it was even a combination of all three. They were some of the main reasons why technical director Edu had little choice but to terminate several contracts in order to reduce the wage bill.
However, fast forward to today and the situation couldn’t be more different. Last year, Arsenal’s recruitment strategy underwent a thorough review and a noticeable, refreshing change has been implemented since. Spending more than £150million in the summer of 2021, the Gunners brought in six new players aged 23 or younger.
In a message sent to staff at the time, chief executive Vinai Venkatesham said: “Our strategy is to fill our squad with some of Europe’s most exciting young talent, with players from both our academy and further afield, that can grow and develop together under Mikel to take us where we want to get to.”
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Some of the players signed included Martin Odegaard, Aaron Ramsdale, Ben White and Takehiro Tomiyasu, all of whom find themselves playing a crucial role in Arsenal’s impressive start to the new season whilst continuing to enjoy rapid development. The mission to recruit “exciting young talent” has remained a priority since, although the main objective this summer was to raise the bar of Mikel Arteta’s squad with established quality.
With the likes of Gabriel Jesus, Oleksandr Zinchenko and Fabio Vieira among those to have most recently arrived through the doors of London Colney, the base and core of Arsenal’s squad are now looking very, very good indeed. There are so many encouraging young prospects within it, but it’s safe to say that William Saliba, Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli are currently leading the way.
In fact, the latter has been so impressive this season that he has reportedly attracted interest from a London rival. According to BILD journalist Christian Falk, Chelsea were eyeing a potential move for Martinelli, with new owner Todd Boehly overseeing much of the Blues’ transfer business. However, having missed out on another Brazilian winger in Raphinha, the American businessman is unlikely to have much luck this time around either.
After picking up the man of the match award following his goal and assist against Liverpool at the weekend, the 21-year-old confirmed he wants to continue at Arsenal. “Of course, I want to stay,” he told reporters. “We are talking. Let's see what is going to happen. But I want to stay, of course. I think it's my best season here at Arsenal. I'm so happy for this moment.”
Martinelli’s current deal expires in 2024 and football.london understands that Arsenal retains the option to extend that by two years, taking it up to 2026. The Gunners could increase the length of the contract even further if fresh terms are agreed with the player.
Since joining the club for just £6million in 2019 from Brazilian side Ituano, Martinelli is now a real fan favourite thanks to his incredible passion, energy and talent. Called up to the senior Brazilian national team for the first time earlier this year, the forward has gone from strength to strength, establishing himself as not only one of the most gifted youngsters in the Premier League but in the world.
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