Arsenal will have to give Gabriel Martinelli pay parity with the club’s top-earners as talks over a new deal get underway.
Sportsmail revealed last Monday that the Gunners had made tying Martinelli down to a new long-term contract a priority as he emerges as one of the best young talents in European football.
Negotiations with the 21-year-old’s representatives over improved terms have started but an agreement is not close.
There is no panic from either party with Martinelli - who was turned down by Manchester United as a teenager - known to be settled in London and keen to stay at the Emirates.