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Paris Saint-Germain 'to monitor Gabriel Martinelli during World Cup'

By Ben Knapton, Senior Reporter | 22 November 2022

PSG 'to monitor Gabriel Martinelli during World Cup'

Paris Saint-Germain reportedly send scouts to keep an eye on Arsenal and Brazil attacker Gabriel Martinelli during the 2022 World Cup.

Paris Saint-Germain are reportedly set to keep tabs on Arsenal attacker Gabriel Martinelli during the 2022 World Cup.

The 21-year-old has gone from strength to strength under Mikel Arteta and has become the Gunners' first-choice left-winger amid Emile Smith Rowe's injury woes.

Martinelli scored the first goal of the 2022-23 Premier League season against Crystal Palace, and the Brazil international has continued his fine form since.

In 14 Premier League matches, Martinelli has scored five goals and set up two more as the Gunners sit five points clear of Manchester City at the top of the table.

The youngster is still under the same terms he signed after arriving from then-Brazilian fourth-tier side Ituano in 2019, which are due to expire in 2024.

Gabriel Martinelli in Arsenal training on October 12, 2022 © Reuters

Arsenal do possess the option to extend Martinelli's deal by another season, but they are known to be working on a long-term extension for the South American.

However, with Martinelli yet to put pen to paper on fresh terms at the Emirates Stadium, Todofichajes claims that PSG are closely monitoring the situation.

The report states that the French champions will send scouts to keep an eye on Martinelli at the World Cup, as Brazil prepare to tackle Serbia, Switzerland and Cameroon in Group G.

Martinelli is said to be valued at €60m (£52m), but Arsenal will not consider a sale unless PSG come forward with an "irresistible" offer.

The former Ituano starlet has now totalled 23 goals and 15 assists in 104 games for Arsenal since arriving in 2019, winning the FA Cup and Community Shield in his first year at the club.

Gabriel Martinelli celebrates scoring for Arsenal on October 9, 2022 © Reuters

Martinelli was also a member of Brazil's gold-medal winning team at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, but he was somewhat of a surprise pick for the World Cup, having only earned three caps for the Selecao.

Arsenal are hoping to wrap up contract extensions for Martinelli, William Saliba and Bukayo Saka imminently, and the former has affirmed that he wants to stay in North London.

"I am very happy at Arsenal. I've said it many times. This is my club. I love to be here, I love the city, I love the club," Martinelli told reporters in October.

"I love everything about Arsenal so I want to stay. I just need to get a pen. I want to score, score in the next game and help my team do well.

"When I knew Arsenal wanted to buy me it was one of the happiest days of my life. Every player who has the opportunity to play for Arsenal will try to play his best."

The 21-year-old will hope to earn some minutes when Brazil kick off their bid for a sixth World Cup crown against Serbia on Thursday evening.