Gabriel Martinelli has signed a new long-term contract with Arsenal the club has confirmed. The Brazilian's deal had been due to expire in 2024, although Arsenal had the option to extend it by a further two years, and it will now run until 2027 with the option to extend by a further year as football.london reported last week.
"I want to stay they just need to give me a pen," Martinelli told reporters when asked about his contract in early November, hinting at his decision that would come. "I am 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."
The 21-year-old has broken into the first-team over the previous few seasons, but has started to take his game to a new level this campaign. In 19 Premier League appearances, the winger has scored seven goals and assisted twice, becoming a consistent threat on the left.
READ MORE: Brighton relationship damage after Moises Caicedo, Flo Balogun future, Jorginho transfer verdict
“It’s great that Gabi has signed a new contract with us," said Edu. "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.”
“We’re delighted Gabi has signed a new long-term contract," added Mikel Arteta. "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's is a the first of a host of contract extensions that Arsenal are hopeful of completing. The Gunners are in talks over new deals for Bukayo Saka and William Saliba whose contracts both expire next summer after the club took up an option to trigger a one year extension.
"We have a few of those that we are willing to extend the contract. Willy is one of them," Mikel Arteta told football.london when asked specifically about Saliba's future. "I think he's shown in the months that he's been with us the quality and personality he has to play at the level that we want. We are trying to do that because we know he can be a really important part of our plans."
READ NEXT:
Full Arsenal Premier League squad confirmed as Bukayo Saka and William Saliba absence explained
Partey, Trossard, Jesus - Arsenal injury news and expected return dates before key Everton clash
Nicolas Pepe, Ainsley Maitland-Niles and seven loanees who could make Arsenal millions
Brighton relationship damage after Moises Caicedo, Flo Balogun future, Jorginho transfer verdict
Arsenal news and transfers LIVE: All the latest news, rumours and gossip from the Emirates Stadium
