Arsenal have reportedly entered talks with Gabriel Martinelli's camp over a new contract and are confident of reaching an agreement with the Brazilian's representatives.
Martinelli - one of the Gunners' longest-serving senior players having joined from Ituano in 2019 - last signed an extension in early 2023, and his current terms run until 2027 with the option of a further 12 months.
The 23-year-old is currently sidelined with a hamstring problem, which is expected to keep him out for around a month, but he has been a critical performer for Mikel Arteta when fully fit this season.
Martinelli has had a direct hand in 11 goals in 35 appearances across all tournaments in the 2024-25 campaign - seven of his own and four assists - including six goals and three helpers from 22 Premier League outings.
Even though the South American's terms have another two-and-a-half years left to run, GIVEMESPORT claims that Arsenal are now discussing a long-term renewal with his entourage.
Arsenal 'hopeful' of tying Martinelli down to new contract
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The report adds that negotiations are only at an early stage at present, but there is already a growing feeling from all sides that an agreement will be reached to extend Martinelli's stay in North London.
Arsenal and Martinelli's representatives are apparently 'actively working' to wrap up a new deal before the end of the Premier League season, as the Gunners continue to tie their most integral performers down to long-term contracts.
While outgoing sporting director Edu was at the helm, Arsenal successfully extended the contracts of multiple big-name stars, including William Saliba, Martin Odegaard, Bukayo Saka, Ben White and Gabriel Magalhaes.
The Gunners are also said to be in talks to prolong Ethan Nwaneri and Myles Lewis-Skelly's stays in North London, after the academy duo became key parts of Arteta's plans for the 2024-25 season.
Arsenal paid just £6m to bring Martinelli to the Emirates from Ituano in 2019, and the winger has gone on to score 48 goals and provide 26 assists in 209 appearances for the Gunners in all competitions.
Arsenal 'in talks' to extend Martinelli deal - the right decision?
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Had Martinelli continued going from strength to strength after his terrific 2022-23 season, where he bagged 15 goals in the Premier League alone, a new contract would have been an absolute no-brainer.
However, the 23-year-old has just not hit the same heights since that standout campaign - his six Premier League goals this season is hardly world-beating but does mean that he has already equalled his top-flight tally from last term.
Too often does the Brazil international either hold onto the ball for too long or fire shots straight at the goalkeeper, although his praiseworthy defensive work-rate makes it easy to see why Arteta places so much faith in him.
With Raheem Sterling heading back to Chelsea this summer and Leandro Trossard in his 30s, a new contract for Martinelli does make sense, but it should not guarantee him the left-wing spot moving forward.
Instead, Martinelli might have to accept a backup role if Arsenal can pull off a deal for Athletic Bilbao's Nico Williams this summer, thus potentially suffering the same fate as Aaron Ramsdale, who was demoted to second choice behind David Raya a few months after signing an extension of his own in 2023.
Ben Knapton
