Arsenal have confirmed that Brazilian forward Gabriel Martinelli has penned a new long-term deal at the Emirates Stadium.
The 19-year-old was an under-the-radar signing last summer but has since become a first-team regular for Arsenal, netting ten goals and four assists in all competitions.
?? Gabriel Martinelli has signed a new long-term contract! ✍️
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) July 3, 2020
Confirming the deal on the club’s official website, manager Mikel Arteta admitted that he is excited to see what the future holds for both Martinelli and Arsenal as a result of the deal.
“I am delighted that Gabi has signed a new contract with us,” said the boss. “He is a very talented young player and has impressed us with his performance, attitude and work rate. We look forward to getting him back to full fitness and watching him develop at our club.”
Just a year and a day after joining the club, Martinelli has proven exactly why Arsenal were so determined to land the Brazilian in the first place.
? #On This Day Last Year…
We introduce you to Gabi! ?
? My favorite Martinelli moment is ____ pic.twitter.com/Kgd4HJYyiP
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) July 2, 2020
Initially made to wait for his chance under Unai Emery, Martinelli wasted little time forcing himself into Arteta’s plans, making six of his last seven appearances before injuries slowed his progress. I started.
His rise to fame has been so impressive that Real Madrid have been rumored to be considering launching a £50m bid, so it’s not hard to see why Arsenal have been relentless in securing him. He has worked hard to stay in the Emirates.
Martinelli was a regular under Mikel Arteta before getting injured / Craig Mercer / MB Media / Getty Images
This latest development is further evidence of Arsenal’s desire to focus on young players. Bukayo Saka, who impressed at left-back in his debut season, recently penned his lucrative extension, with Arteta keen to build for the future.
The boss has regularly spoken about the long-term project at Arsenal, encouraging fans to be patient and allow the team to rebuild and improve in the future, and tying Martinelli down for a number of years would fulfill that ambition. It will help. .
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