Gabriel Martinelli [Alexander Canillas/SPP]

THERE are still over five weeks before the transfer window opens, and the gossip columns are already busy feeding fans’ insatiable appetite for which players are going where.

One rumour that has been whirling around for a while now is Arsenal’s reported willingness to sell Gabriel Martinelli this summer to help fund a major squad overhaul.

Well, if such a move is on the cards, it’s going to take a massive U-turn in thinking from Mikel Arteta. The Arsenal boss had nothing but praise for his workhorse winger ahead of the Gunners’ 2-2 draw against Crystal Palace on Wednesday.

Asked if Martinelli’s contribution has been overlooked this season, Arteta said: “Certainly not by us. But when you look at the consistency shown over the last few years, the amount of goals he has scored at his age and the contribution to a big club like Arsenal, it’s not easy at all.

“So I think he’s on the right path. He’s a fantastic player to work with. His work ethic, his understanding, his desire to play every minute of every competition. That’s the kind of characters and leaders that we want in the team. And I’m very, very happy with him.”

There is one signing that every Arsenal supporter wants to see this summer, and no, it’s not a striker.

Bukayo Saka will soon enter the final two years of his current deal, and Arteta is confident that it won’t be long before the club has an announcement to make.

He said: “When the time comes we will have those conversations, and I’m sure the club is very on top of it. I think Bukayo has been very clear what his intentions are as well. So, I think everything is in the right place.”

For now, though, all eyes are on Tuesday’s Champions League semi-final first leg showdown against Paris Saint-Germain at the Emirates. One key issue Arteta must tackle is how to cope without Thomas Partey, who is suspended for the tie. The answer could well lie at the feet of Myles Lewis-Skelly. Asked if he sees the academy graduate always playing at left-back, Arteta said: “I wouldn’t go that far.

“I think for now what he’s providing to the team, the needs that we have, and the role that we have as a full-back, probably yes. But he stepped into midfield the other day and he looked very, very comfortable.

“He’s played his whole career [in midfield], and he’s good. He can play as an eight, he can play as a six… Another player that can play different positions at the highest level. So, very good news.”