Gabriel Martinelli confirms Arsenal contract talks

Updated: 10 Oct 2022 17:05 BST
3 min read

Gabriel Martinelli, Arsenal, 2021/22 — © ProShots

Gabriel Martinelli has revealed he is in talks with Arsenal over a new deal after his goalscoring exploits against Liverpool.

Martinelli netted the opener inside 58 seconds to help Arsenal to a 3-2 win over their rivals and sending the Gunners top of the Premier League once again.

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The Brazilian’s current deal expires in 2024 and clubs such as Chelsea and Barcelona are said to be monitoring the situation but Martinelli is keen to extend his stay at the Emirates.

Martinelli said: “We are talking about a contract so let’s see what happens. But of course I want to stay. I think this is my best season at Arsenal and I am so happy for this moment.

“It’s an amazing opportunity to be at a big club like Arsenal with so many good players. You can see the understanding we have together but we have a lot of time to improve.

We have great quality and I think we can do more. Everyone can see our hunger and our mentality. We want to win every single game.

“Of course we dream about winning the title, but we leave all that talk to our fans. We are only thinking about the next game and trying to win again.”

Speaking about the prospect of a new deal for Martinelli, Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta said: “What he deserves is clear. His hunger, his determination, his love for this game…you don’t know where he is going to reach. He is always asking and willing for more.”

Arsenal looking to tie down young trio

Martinelli has established himself as a regular in Arsenal’s side since joining from Brazilian side Ituano for £6 million in 2019 and he received the first of three caps for his country earlier this year.

The 21-year-old netted six Premier League goals last season but he has already scored four in this campaign and he credited fellow Brazilian Gabriel Jesus for his impact on both Martinelli and Arsenal.

"We are a family." ❤️

Arsenal youngsters Bukayo Saka And Gabriel Martinelli were on fire today 🔥 pic.twitter.com/sRH05RuhDe

— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) October 9, 2022

“I am so happy to be playing alongside players like Jesus and Bukayo Saka,” Martinelli said. “Gabby is a great guy, not just on the pitch but off it as well. He is always trying to help me. He is only 25 but he has a lot of experience and everyone loves him.”

Along with Martinelli, Arsenal are also hoping to secure the long-term future of Saka as well as William Saliba, all of whom are into the last two years of their current contracts, although the club are believed to have options on all three players.