Arsenal ‘finally give Gabriel Martinelli a pen’ as the Brazilian signs a new long-term deal to allay speculation about his future with Bukayo Saka next

Gabriel Martinelli has signed a new contract at Arsenal in a big boost for manager Mikel Arteta.

The Brazilian has signed a four-and-a-half-year contract that will keep him at the Emirates until the summer of 2027.

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With the striker’s contract expiring in 18 months, Arteta and sporting director Edu were desperate to lock 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 contract.

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

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

After learning the news, Edu told the club’s media: “It’s fantastic that Gabi has signed a new contract with us.

“The foundation of our team continues to be built on young talent, so it’s great that Gabi has signed a new contract.

“Gabi is still 21 years old and he is a player with a lot of capacity and personality. He is an important part of our future and we are delighted to have agreed a new contract”.

And Arteta was over the moon too, adding: “We are delighted that Gabi has signed a new long-term contract.

“Our fans see his quality and energy every time he puts on the jersey and he is the same every day in training, with his hard work and positive values.

“Gabi is still very young so we know there is still a lot to come from him and it is great that we are on this journey together.

“We are now excited to continue to develop his enormous talent and look forward to seeing him perform with Arsenal for years to come.”

Martinelli has proven instrumental for Arsenal this season as they sit five points clear at the top of the Premier League.

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

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

The former Ituano ace had caught the eye of Liverpool in the past after Jurgen Klopp admitted he was a big fan.

But the signing of a new contract puts an end to any speculation about his future as Arteta was eyeing a left winger in the transfer window, losing out to Mykhailo Mudryk.

However, the eventual arrival of Leandro Trossard is expected to only act as a backup to Martinelli, rather than take his place, with a top-four position the least Arsenal can hope for this season.

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The Gunners now hope to lock Saka into a new deal, one that has been in the works for some time but has yet to cross the line.

The England international is another crucial part of Arteta’s squad and is expected to put pen to paper, but acceptable terms must be put forward.

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