To the relief of every Arsenal fan out there, Gabriel Martinelli has confirmed that he is in talks with the club to extend his contract. The Brazilian was the star of the show as he played a crucial role in helping his side defeat Liverpool 3-2 at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday.
The 21-year-old scored a goal and provided an assist against Jurgen Klopp's men as he continued his fine start to the 2022/23 season. Martinelli has been a revelation since arriving from Ituano in 2019 for as little as £6million, becoming a real fan favourite thanks to his hunger and desire to excel in Arsenal colours.
Possessing skill, pace, energy and an incredible attitude, Martinelli has gone from strength to strength in north London, establishing himself as one of the most exciting young forwards not only in the Premier League but in the world. A number of impressive displays saw him receive his first call-up to the senior Brazil squad earlier this year, and you get the sense that this is just the beginning of a promising career.
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With all of that in mind, it's perhaps no surprise that senior figures at Arsenal are keen to secure Martinelli's long-term future with a new and improved contract. However, his current deal expires in 2024 football.london understands that Arsenal retains the option to extend that by two years, taking it up to 2026. The Gunners could increase the length of the contract even further if fresh terms are agreed with the player.
As ever in football, when a young talent begins to make the headlines for all of the right reasons, Europe's big guns' come calling, and Martinelli is certainly no exception. The aforementioned Klopp has publicly praised the forward on several occasions, once labelling him as a "talent of the century". So, what's the latest with his contract situation?
What Arteta has said
Speaking ahead of Arsenal's Europa League clash with Bodo/Glimt last week, Mikel Arteta confirmed that the club was "on it" when asked about new contracts for Bukayo Saka, William Saliba and Martinelli. "Obviously, we have to plan for the future, and we are all working on it," he said.
"Edu is on top of it and all of the board, and we'll try to do things in the right way, being fair, and trying to plan the best possible way and reward the players that, in our opinion, have a big future for the club. When we have something to announce, we will do that."
Arteta insisted after the Liverpool win that Martinelli has nothing to prove when it comes to rewarding him with a new deal. "We don't get directed by an individual performance," the Spaniard said in his post-match press conference.
"Gabby doesn't have to show me, whether he plays well or not well today, what he deserves. What is clear is his hunger, his determination and his love for this game. You don't know where he's going to reach because he's always asking and willing for more."
What Martinelli has said
Following the enthralling game against Liverpool on Sunday, Man of the Match Martinelli confirmed what his performances were clearly indicating - he wants to stay put.
"Of course, I want to stay," he told reporters. "We are talking. Let's see what is going to happen. "But I want to stay, of course. I think it's my best season here at Arsenal. I'm so happy for this moment."
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