Chelsea face three stumbling blocks in Gabriel Martinelli chase

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Chelsea are reportedly interested in signing Arsenal star Gabriel Martinelli. But they face an uphill battle to convince the Brazilian to join the club even if they manage to come up with a financial package that would convince the Gunners to sell. The winger has been in fine form for the Premier League leaders this season and continued his impressive performances with a goal and an assist against Liverpool yesterday in a man-of-the-match display. 

Arsenal have had one of the most potent attacks in world football this season with Martinelli an integral part of that alongside Martin Odegaard, Buyako Saka and Gabriel Jesus. He has found the net four times in 11 appearances this season contributing two assists. 

In contrast, Chelsea have been less successful going forward, an issue that has plagued the Blues over the last few years. New boss Graham Potter is determined to change that and has already moved to try and secure the signing of RB Leipzig star Christopher Nkunku as well as holding an interest in AC Milan forward Rafael Leao. Martinelli is another player they are believed to be ‘monitoring’ according to the Daily Mail as they look to add to their attack options. 

However, they face three major stumbling blocks in their quest to convince him to ditch his current club. The first is he is currently negotiating a new contract at the Emirates, something that should see him earn a big payrise in north London. He is currently contracted until 2024 – but has previously spoken of his desire to stay at the Emirates in the long-term, making him more willing to sign a new deal. 

Secondly, he currently has no concerns over his minutes at the Gunners, something which may not be the case at Chelsea. He has started every Premier League game so far this season, and while the Blues attack may not be functioning as well, they possess a depth of options not available to Mikel Arteta. 

Mason Mount, Raheem Sterling, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang are currently the first choice front three, with Armando Broja, Christian Pulisic and Hakim Ziyech all in reserve. They could also yet call on Nkunku and Leao by the time Martinelli joins, something which is less likely to appeal to the 21-year-old. 

Finally, the wide man is getting on well with Jesus, something he will not be able to replicate at Chelsea. The striker has been on fantastic form since his arrival from Manchester City this summer, scoring five goals and creating a further four already. 

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Speaking about his national compatriot, Martinelli recently praising the connection he and Jesus have. 

“It means a lot to play with him and have the connection we do, I can learn a lot of things from him,” he explained. 

“He’s a very good guy and not just me but all the players are very happy with him. On and off the pitch he’s a great guy. He always tries to give advice to us — go in behind or come short to play. When he makes one movement, we do another one, so he always tries to help us with these details and they are so important.”

It remains to be seen whether or not Martinelli will one day make the move to Stamford Bridge, but it has to be said the chances look slim given the hurdles in Chelsea’s way. 

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