Noel Whelan has told Arsenal to give Gabriel Martinelli “what he wants” in order to secure his long term future at the Emirates.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the former Leeds United striker hailed Martinelli‘s ability on and off the ball.
On Sunday (9 October), sources told this site that the Gunners are in advanced talks to agree a new contract with the 21-year-old.
Talks are progressing well over a contract that would run until the summer of 2026 with an option for a further year.
The Brazil international’s current contract expires in 2024 but there is an option of a further two years.
Whelan urged Mikel Arteta’s side to tie down the winger.
“What an excellent player he is turning out to be,” he told Football Insider.
“He has been at the club for a number of years and we are now seeing the the talent that we have seen in bursts over the years.
“Those key moments he is actually putting in for 90 minutes. Defensively he is making the right runs, he looks confident, he looks a dangerous player.
“He is terrorising all kinds of full-backs at the minute.
“He is playing with so much confidence and belief. That front three have got a real kinetic energy about them.
“Their link up play is excellent and easy on the eye.
“The most important thing is he is coming up with assists and goals and that is what you want for a forward player.
“That contract needs to be put on the table and give the young man what he wants because he really is one of the star players at the minute for Arsenal.“
In other news, an expert has lambasted Gabriel Jesus as new Arsenal footage analysed – ‘a five-year-old wouldn’t even go down’.