Gabriel Martinelli confirms contract negotiations with Arsenal

Gabriel Martinelli has confirmed that his representatives are in discussions with Arsenal over a new long-term contract at the Emirates Stadium.

The 21-year-old has been a key player for the Gunners during the 2022-23 campaign, scoring four times and registering two assists in 11 appearances in all competitions.

All four of Martinelli's goals this season have come in the Premier League, including a strike against Liverpool on Sunday, with Mikel Arteta's side running out 3-2 winners over the Merseyside outfit.

The Brazilian's current deal is due to expire in June 2024, although there is the option for Arsenal to activate an extension until the summer of 2025.

The Gunners are said to be keen to sign Martinelli to a new and improved contract, and the player has now confirmed that the two parties "are talking".

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"I think it's my best season here at Arsenal. I'm so happy for this moment. Of course, I want to stay. We are talking. Let's see what is going to happen. But I want to stay, of course," The Mirror quotes Martinelli as saying.

A recent report claimed that Chelsea were keeping a close eye on the South American's contract situation at the Emirates Stadium, with the Blues keen on his signature.

Martinelli has now scored 22 goals and registered 15 assists in 95 appearances for the North London club since joining the club from Brazilian outfit Ituano in 2019.

"When he wasn't playing, he was all the time in my office and every time showing me on the pitch how wrong I was," Arteta told reporters in September when asked about the attacker's development.

"And, (from) the moment that we agreed that he was ready to do it, the way he has improved, the way he is helping the team and still the room for improvement he has is phenomenal."

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Meanwhile, Arteta lavished praise on Martinelli for his performance in Sunday's 3-2 win over Liverpool in the Premier League.

"When you see where he is a year ago from when he played against Brentford to where he is today is phenomenal but it is his desire to train hard every day," said the Spaniard.

"It is a nightmare to play against him and we know we have a real threat up front."

Martinelli has now scored once and provided two assists in his last two Premier League appearances against Tottenham Hotspur and Liverpool.

Arsenal have won eight and lost one of their nine league matches this season, which has left them top of the table on 24 points, one point clear of the reigning champions Manchester City.