Mikel Arteta makes his next two targets clear after Gabriel Martinelli deal

03 February 2023 , 22:30

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Mikel Arteta makes his next two targets clear after Gabriel Martinelli deal

Gabriel Martinelli has signed a new contract keeping him at Arsenal until 2027 – and Bukayo Saka and William Saliba are next in line.

Gunners boss Mikel Arteta has made no secret of his wish to tether the nucleus of his exciting young squad to the Emirates on long-term deals.

And after the boost of Brazilian forward Martinelli agreeing terms for another four-and-a-half years, with the club holding an option for a further 12 months, England winger Saka and defensive revelation Saliba are expected to follow suit by extending their Arsenal careers.

Martinelli, 21, has scored seven goals in 19 Premier League games to help the Gunners go five points clear at the summit. He said: “This is my club. I was born a long, long way from north London but as soon as I got here, our supporters made me feel like one of them.

'It didn't take me long to realise this place was about more than football. It's about us, our heritage, our togetherness and our community sprit that you have to understand. So thank you Gunners for making me feel at home.”

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Arteta, named Manager of the Month for the third time this season, said: "Obviously we want to build on all the talent and youth we have in the squad so it is great to see them happy and willing to commit to the club and what we want to do for the future.

Gabriel Martinelli has agreed a new long term contract at Arsenal (Arsenal FC via Getty Images)

"Part of the plan obviously is to extend the contracts of our biggest talents at the club. We are trying to do that, we have started with Gabi and that is good news, the others will be done when we can.

"I see everyone really happy and really willing to continue at the club but we have to meet everyone's expectations and timing is key on that."

"Gabi is a player with enormous potential and he still has so many things to improve, but already he is performing at a really high level. He can develop physically, mentally, in terms of consistency and defensively, in the final third and the spaces he occupies.

'His numbers can improve but he is so willing, and that is the best thing about Gabi." Arteta takes the leaders to lowly Everton this weekend – where he has lost both of his games as Arsenal manager against his old club.

Mike Walters