Gabriel Martinelli has extended his Arsenal stay after penning a new four-and-a-half year deal and few are more happy about it than Gunners technical director Edu.
The fellow Brazilian is a huge fan of Martinelli's and has publicly championed him on a number of occasions. A sweet moment between the duo after the Arsenal ace put pen to paper was spotted by Gunners fans onine as they rejoiced at the strong relationship the pair have.
Arsenal released plenty of pictures of Martinelli signing his new deal and in most of them he is accompanied by a large group, mainly made up of his girlfriend, family and of course manager Mikel Arteta. However, the most moving image of all is one of just him and Edu.
The Brazilians are pictured in an embrace, with Martinelli still sat while Edu, almost like a paternal figure, who wraps both arms around his fellow countryman to share the joy over the 21-year-old pledging his long-term future to the club.
Following official confirmation of the extension, Edu told the Arsenal website: "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."
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It was a sentiment echoed by the player himself, who admitted he "loves everything about Arsenal."
Purchased from the lower rungs of Brazilian football in 2019 as a teenager, Martinelli has enjoyed a meteoric rise since touching down in North London.
The forward could barely contain his delight as he recalled when he first arrrived and the early days of his Arsenal career to the club's official media.
"I remember I was so, so nervous and I couldn’t speak one word of English!" he chuckled. "It’s even worse because you couldn’t even talk to the guys and I remember that I didn’t understand anything the guys were saying to me.
"I remember when I got the shirt and I saw the badge, I was so proud and so happy. I still have that feeling when I wear it."
If things go to plan, Martinelli will be wearing it until the summer of 2027 at the earliest, though the Gunners do boast a one-year extension clause in the new deal that could keep him at Arsenal until 2028.
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