Arsenal ‘finally give Gabriel Martinelli a pen’ as Brazilian signs new long-term contract to dispel speculation over his future with Bukayo Saka next

Gabriel Martinelli has signed a new contract at Arsenal in a huge boost to manager Mikel Arteta.

The Brazilian has put pen to paper on a four-and-a-half-year deal that will keep him at the Emirates until the summer of 2027.

With the forward’s contract expiring in 18 months, Arteta and sporting director Edu were desperate to tie him down and not risk losing him for nothing.

Martinelli admitted last month that he was happy in north London and only needed a pen to sign a new deal.

He said: “I’m very happy at Arsenal. I said it many times. This is my club. I love to be here, I love the city, the club, everything about Arsenal.

“I want to stay. I’m very happy. They just need a pen.”

After the news was revealed, Edu told the club’s media: “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.”

And Arteta was over the moon, as well, adding: “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.”

Martinelli has proved pivotal to Arsenal this season as they sit five points clear at the top of the Premier League.

The 21-year-old has formed a lethal attack with Gabriel Jesus, Martin Odegaard, Bukayo Saka and, more recently, Eddie Nketiah.

In 19 Premier League games, Martinelli has scored seven and assisted two, already his best tally for a season.

The former Ituano ace had attracted attention from Liverpool in the past after Jurgen Klopp admitted he was a big fan.

But signing a new contract puts to bed any speculation over his future while Arteta was eyeing a left winger in the transfer window, missing out on Mykhailo Mudryk.

However, the eventual arrival of Leandro Trossard is expected to only act as back-up to Martinelli, rather than take his spot, with a top-four position the very least Arsenal can expect this season.

The Gunners will now hope to tie down Saka to a new deal, one that has been in the pipeline for some time but has yet to have got over the line.

The England international is another crucial part of Arteta’s squad and is expected to put pen to paper but agreeable terms need to be presented.

Saka is another in brilliant form for Arsenal, scoring seven and assisting seven in the Premier League this season, including his latest strike a blockbuster against Manchester United.