Gabriel Martinelli has committed his future to Arsenal with a new four-and-a-half-year contract; Martinelli has scored seven goals in 27 games for Arsenal this season; the Gunners remain in contract talks with forward Bukayo Saka and defender William Saliba
Friday 3 February 2023 11:08, UK
Arsenal forward Gabriel Martinelli has signed a new contract with the club until 2027.
The 21-year-old's previous deal was set to expire at the end of next season, but in a big boost for Mikel Arteta's side he has agreed a new four-and-a-half-year contract with the option for an additional year.
On Martinelli's new deal, manager Arteta added: "We're delighted Gabi has signed a new long-term contract. Our supporters see his quality and energy every single time he puts on the shirt and he's the same every day in training, with his hard work and positive values.
"Gabi is still very young, so we know there's still much more to come from him and it's great that we'll be on this journey together. We're now excited to continue to develop his huge talent and look forward to seeing him perform with Arsenal in the years to come."
Martinelli has been a key figure in Arsenal's rise to the top of the Premier League this season, scoring seven top-flight goals in 19 matches.
The Brazil international, who featured for his country at the World Cup in Qatar, has 25 goals in 111 matches in all competitions and won the FA Cup in 2020 since joining from Brazilian side Ituano in July 2019.
Gunners sporting director Edu added: "It's great that Gabi has signed a new contract with us. The foundations of our squad continue to be built on young talent, so it's great that Gabi has signed a new contract.
"Gabi is still just 21, and a player with big ability and personality. He is an important part of our future and we're delighted that we have agreed a new contract."
Arsenal forward Gabriel Martinelli on signing his new deal with Arsenal:
"I feel amazing, I'm really happy in getting the new contract.
"I want to do my best for the team and for the fans as well, to give back to them and make them proud.
"I've said it many times, I love everything about Arsenal.
"I love the city, I love my teammates, I love the fans, I love the club and I'm going to try my best for this football club."
Speaking at his pre-Everton press conference, Arteta said:
"It's great news. We want to build on all the talent and youth that we have in the squad.
"It's great to see them happy and willing to commit to the club and what we want to do in the future.
"It's a player with enormous potential who has so many things he can improve, but he's already playing at a really high level.
"He can develop in all departments. He can develop physically, mentally and in terms of consistency. He can also develop defensively, in the final third and in the space he occupies. His numbers can be improved, and he is so willing.
"That is the best thing about him."
After tying Martinelli down to a new long-term deal, Arsenal will surely now look to refocus their efforts on extending the contracts of Bukayo Saka and William Saliba, who are both in talks with the club.
Saka and Saliba see their current contracts expire in the summer of 2024 and as key figures in Arteta's starting XI, securing their futures will be a major priority for the club.
"Part of the plan is to extend the contracts of our biggest talents at the club and get them to commit for the future," Arteta said ahead of Arsenal's clash with Everton.
"We are trying to do that, and we've made a start with Gabi, which is good."
When asked specifically about Saka and Saliba and if he saw any problems arising with their contract talks, he added: "The others will be done whenever we can.
"I see everybody really happy and willing to continue with the club. But obviously we have to meet everyone's expectations and timing is key on that."
Mohamed Elneny was set to become a free agent last summer before signing a one-year deal in May 2022. That has an option to be extended by 12 months. Reiss Nelson's future is also under consideration, with the academy graduate's current deal ending after this campaign.
Mikel Arteta's side will bid to move eight points clear at the top of the Premier League with victory at Everton on Saturday; kick-off 12.30pm.
Follow the game with our live blog on the Sky Sports website and app and then watch free highlights on our platforms from 5.15pm.
