Italian giants enter the race to sign Arsenal forward, Arteta needs to keep hold of him

Italian giants AC Milan have entered the race to sign Arsenal forward Gabriel Martinelli, according to reports.

The Gunners have started the season magnificently. They sit top of the Premier League, some five points clear of last season’s champions Manchester City after just 14 games.

However, Mikel Arteta will need all his players fit and firing to maintain a serious title in the second half of the season.

In turn, Gabriel Jesus’ injury sustained while at the World Cup with Brazil has been a sizeable blow. The forward, who cost Arsenal £45million last summer, is likely to be out for up to three months after undergoing surgery.

With the January transfer window looming, Arsenal will not want to see any of their brightest talents prized away from the Emirates.

Martinelli to Milan?

According to a fresh Calciomercato report, AC Milan have entered the race for Martinelli in January, while the Brazilian attacker is also said to be on Barcelona’s radar.

Martinelli has been an integral part of the north London side’s surge to the summit of the league, having netted five goals and provided two assists in his 14 appearances.

The 21-year-old is yet to extend his current deal at the Emirates, which will expire in the summer of 2024, though the Gunners have the option to add a further year to his current deal.

However, the Italian publication has claimed the Brazil international has emerged as a possible replacement for Rafael Leao, who could leave the Serie A club in January.

With a reported release clause of £105m, CalcioMercato claims that Tottenham are interested in signing Portugal star Leao, which could have huge implications for the club’s north London rivals.