Large sections of the Arsenal fanbase have told Edu to tie Bukayo Saka and William Saliba down to new contracts after Gabriel Martinelli penned an extension. The 21-year-old has signed a four-and-a-half-year deal with the Gunners, which keeps him at the club until 2027.
Martinelli had entered the final 18 months of his stay at the Emirates Stadium in the new year, thus courting the interest of several top-flight European sides. Eager to secure the Brazil international's future, Arsenal have included the option to extend his tenure by a further year.
Edu and Mikel Arteta are delighted to have contract Martinelli to a long-term future at London Colney. Speaking to the club's website, the sporting director said: "It’s great that Gabi has signed a new contract with us.
READ MORE: Arsenal face Barcelona transfer battle as Edu's £52.8m January target eyed for major summer move
"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."
The Gunners boss 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."
While Arsenal fans are just as happy that Martinelli has extended his stay, they've already set their sights on Saka and Saliba following suit. The duo have entered the final 18 months of their contracts and, therefore, face an increasingly uncertain future at the club.
So, with that being said, football.london has taken a look at the best reaction to Martinelli penning a new deal on Twitter.
@AFC_Capt tweeted: "Saka and Saliba next."
@saltimes: "Great news! Now lets get the rest of them to sign as well."
@accoladehh: "Let's go. Next is Saka and Saliba."
@Arsenal1stlady: "Bukayo Saka should also sign and be the highest paid player."
@cobaeche: "Wow. Can’t wait for Saka and Saliba to sign the thing."
@TemzDaGoonerz: "My star boy....I call him The Chef...Cooking every defender that comes his way..."
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