Gabriel Martinelli has reportedly asked Arsenal to triple his salary as he seeks to extend his stay at the Emirates Stadium.
The 21-year-old has been one of the Gunners’ standout performers this season with four goals and two assists in nine Premier League appearances.
But with the player linked until 2024, it has been claimed Chelsea are monitoring his situation, despite it being so secret that Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp is also a fan, leading Arsenal to start talks contractual.
The Brazilian winger recently confirmed negotiations are underway as he revealed his wish to stay in north London.
However, according to the Daily Mail, a deal is not reached due to Martinelli’s wage demands.
They state the youngster is currently pocketing around £70,000-a-week at Arsenal but is looking for a salary of around £200,000-a-week.
That would make him one of the highest earners at the club, with Gabriel Jesus and Thomas Partey both earning over £200,000 a week.
That’s the same figure Arsenal would offer Bukayo Saka, who would be nearly seven times the England star’s current salary.
The Mail said Mikel Arteta’s side knew they had to reward Martinelli for their dazzling performances this term with the club at the top of the Premier League table.
But it’s been said that Arsenal aren’t immediately rushing to get the Brazilian to put pen to paper on a new deal.
And there is no panic from Martinelli as he only has eyes to commit his long-term future to the club as he settles in the capital.
The Tokyo 2020 Olympic gold medalist scored a goal and an assist in Sunday’s 3-2 win over Liverpool, where he was named man of the match.
Speaking after the win, he said: “Of course I want to stay. We are talking. Let’s see what happens, but I want to stay, of course.
“I think it’s my best season here at Arsenal. I’m so happy with this moment. I think Arsenal are a great club and we have a lot of good players.
“I think you can see our hunger and our mentality from the outside. We want to win every game and I think everyone can see that.
“I am so happy [to beat Liverpool], a great match and a great victory. I think we deserve the three points.
“It was amazing [in the dressing room at full-time]. Everyone was kissing.
“Everyone knew it was going to be a tough game and like I said I think we deserved it. [win].”