Revealed: How re-signing Martinelli makes Mudryk's Arsenal transfer MORE likely

FT Desk

• 11 Nov 2022 13:00 CST
• 4 min read

Gabriel Martinelli and Mykhailo Mudryk may play in the same position, but Arsenal tying the Brazilian down to a new contract could make a move for the 'Ukrainan Neymar' more likely, not less.

Martinelli is beginning to blossom into a top player at Arsenal, and has contributed five goals and two assists to help fire the Gunners to the top of the Premier League table, two points clear of champions Manchester City as we approach the midway point of the season.

Domestic action will pause after this weekend's round of games, with Arsenal travelling to Wolves on Saturday, but there won't be much rest for Martinelli, with the young winger joining clubmate Gabriel Jesus in being called up for Brazil's upcoming World Cup campaign in Qatar.

READ: Arsenal set for transfer breakthrough over Brazil midfielder

Martinelli's current deal at the Emirates expires in 2024, and the player is read to extend. "I want to stay; they just need to give me a pen!" he said recently. "I'm very happy at Arsenal. I said it many times, I love to be here. I love the city; I love everything about Arsenal, so I want to stay."

World Cup value boost

New research from Saxo Bank suggests that a player's value can skyrocket by up to 300 per cent in the event of a strong World Cup performancs, which in Martinelli's case would see him ranked at €27 million rather than €9m per Football Transfers in-house algorithm should he impress this winter.

A fresh contract would mean that Arsenal could play hardball with any potential suitor, and at the least not run the risk of losing him on a free transfer the summer after next.

READ: Arsenal facing stiff competition for 'Ukrainian Neymar'

Shakhtar Donetsk have previously demanded nearly €100m for Mudryk, who has been nicknamed the "Ukrainian Neymar" after impressing in the Champions League this season with three goals and two assists at European football's top table.

"Together with Kylian Mbappe, Rafa Leao and Vinicius Jr., Mudryk is the strongest player in his role," their deputy sporting director Carlo Nicolini told Calciomercato. "We value Mudryk more than Manchester United's Antony - £85m (€97.2m)."

How much Mudryk ends up costing remains to be seen, but being able to cash in meaningfully on Martinelli - if the Gunners don't find a way to field them both - would get them well on the way to finding a deal for their top transfer target.