Arsenal attacker Gabriel Martinelli has confirmed that he wants to put pen to paper on a new contract in North London.
The Brazil international made an immediate impression at the Emirates Stadium after being signed by Unai Emery and has gone from strength to strength under Mikel Arteta.
Amid Emile Smith Rowe's injury problems, Martinelli has established himself as Arsenal's first-choice left-winger and has played a major role in helping the Gunners rise to the top of the Premier League table.
The 21-year-old has scored five goals and set up two more in 12 Premier League appearances this term, but his contract is only due to run until the summer of 2024.
However, Arsenal are known to be working on contract extensions for several of their up-and-coming starlets, including Martinelli, Bukayo Saka and William Saliba.
© Reuters
Speaking to reporters ahead of Thursday's Europa League tie with FC Zurich, Martinelli claimed that he 'just needs to get a pen' and described his move to Arsenal as one of the happiest days of his life.
"I am very happy at Arsenal. I've said it many times. This is my club. I love to be here, I love the city, I love the club," Martinelli told the press.
"I love everything about Arsenal so I want to stay. I just need to get a pen. I want to score, score in the next game and help my team do well.
"When I knew Arsenal wanted to buy me it was one of the happiest days of my life. Every player who has the opportunity to play for Arsenal will try to play his best."
Martinelli has totalled 23 goals and 15 assists in 101 appearances for Arsenal since joining from then-Brazilian fourth-tier side Ituano in 2019, and he is pushing to be a part of Brazil's World Cup squad.
© Reuters
The attacker scored the first goal of the 2022-23 Premier League season against Crystal Palace in August, although he is yet to score or assist in the Europa League this term.
While Martinelli has confirmed his desire to pen fresh terms with Arsenal, Saliba is understood to have been formally offered a new contract after his breakthrough year.
Saliba's current deal runs until the end of the season with the option of a further 12 months, and no agreement is thought to have been reached as talks continue.
Meanwhile, both Arteta and Saka have spoken optimistically about the chances of a new deal for the England international, whose contract expires in under two years' time.
Defender Gabriel Magalhaes has already signed a new long-term deal this autumn, and the Brazilian centre-back is now tied to the Premier League leaders until the summer of 2027.
Ben Knapton
