By Sean Fisher

3rd Nov, 2022 | 2:10pm

Gabriel Martinelli jokes he just needs a pen when asked about new Arsenal contract

Gabriel Martinelli has told The Athletic that he is ready to commit to a new Arsenal contract should one be offered by the club.

Since signing for Arsenal for just £6million in 2019, Martinelli has risen through the ranks at The Emirates to become a first-team regular under Mikel Arteta.

The Gunners are now flying high at the top of the table and the 21-year-old Brazilian is enjoying a mightily productive season with five Premier League goals in 12 appearances.

“This is my club. I love to be here, I love the city, I love the club. I love everything about Arsenal so I want to stay, Martinelli told The Athletic.

“I’m very happy. Yeah, I just need to get a pen.”

New deal imminent

The interview mentions that Martinelli’s current contract runs until 2024, but that negotiations are already in place to offer a new deal that reflects his position in the first team.

With both the club and player eager to get the deal over the line, it only seems a matter of time until fans can jump in joy at the news of their young star extending his stay in North London.

While Arsenal are in great form and at the top of the league, the club should also be looking to extend a number of contracts within their squad.

Arteta’s team is made up of a plethora of young talents, with Bukayo Saka, Emile Smith Rowe and Martin Odegaard all forming crucial cogs in the Arsenal machine.

Should the club manage to keep that core of players together, then Arsenal could find themselves building for long-term success under Arteta.

Martinelli may well be the first domino to fall.

In other Arsenal news, Reiss Nelson admits Arsenal contract renewal is top priority