Arsenal and contracts are two things that have not mixed together comfortably in the past. Too many times the club have been unable to renew deals, paid too much to players too soon or too late and ultimately the whole system needed overhauling.
Mikel Arteta and Edu worked hard to try and improve this but a new arrival at Arsenal is proving the difference. Richard Garlick arrived in 2021 and took hold of the contractual responsibilities during the summer transfer window. Helping to complete deals for the likes of Ben White and Aaron Ramsdale.
However, it is becoming apparent his role as Director of Football Operations is having a dramatic effect on the wider strategy to change the club’s approach to transfers. The next target on the club’s list has been identified and Garlick will push to continue his fine work.
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Fabrizio Romano explained on his Here We Go podcast that Arsenal would move ahead with plans to renew Gabriel Martinelli’s contract. A big sign of things to come.
“Gabriel Martinelli is out of contract in June 2024. This is something that they want to get done as soon as possible so in the coming months, Arsenal will be in contact with the agents of Gabriel Martinelli because they want to continue with him. And they want to offer him a new deal," he said.
Arsenal should not find it too difficult to agree on a new contract for the now Brazilian senior international. Only recently had he spoken about staying at the north London club for the rest of his life.
"We have a young group, we have a lot of time ahead of us, players with a lot of quality, I think we will achieve great things," he told ESPN Brazil. "Our focus is the Champions League. Fighting for that top four. A club like Arsenal has to be in the Champions League. It’s our total focus. We always want more. Of course, Arsenal are a giant team.
"If I can, I’ll stay here my whole life. I want to conquer things, as I said, I want to stay here and win titles, with these wonderful fans, my teammates."
What Garlick would be doing is continuing a two-year cycle that is being to take shape. football.london understands that Bukayo Saka is also in the club’s plans to discuss a renewal.
Saka and Martinelli both signed their previous deals in 2020. Renewals in 2022 would follow the aforementioned two-year process. Ensuring players remain contracted to a long-term deal gives the club control and also reassures players of the club’s intentions for their own longevity.
Further evidence of this is seen in reports suggesting that Gabriel Magalhaes will also be approached regarding a possible renewal this summer. The Brazilian defender signed in 2020 and again would therefore follow the two-year trend.
This impact of Garlick in combination with Arteta and Edu is just an additional guarantee that the club is evolving and changing for the better. The progression was always going to be a gradual journey if the overall shape of the club is to progress, the contractual changes are a big positive.
