As Martinelli signs, Mikel Arteta delivers an update on two further crucial contracts

Mikel Arteta insists it is part of Arsenal’s intention to lock Bukayo Saka and William Saliba to new long-term terms after the Gunners revealed Gabriel Martinelli committed his future to the club.

With a string of great performances this season, the Brazil international has solidified himself as an important member of the north London club’s title-chasing squad.

The January acquisition of Lissandro Trossard has put Martinelli’s position in jeopardy, but the 21-year-old still views Arsenal as the team best prepared to further his career.

Arteta responded to the information that Martinelli has consented to sign by saying: ‘It’s great to see him happy and ready to commit to the club,

‘He has huge potential, and there are so many areas to improve in all departments. In terms of consistency, in terms of the space he occupies.

‘He is so willing, that is the first thing about Gabi.

Arsenal will now focus on keeping William Saliba and Bukayo Saka on staff, as both have begun to garner admiring looks from other teams.

Both players’ existing contracts have less than 18 months left on them, and while Arsenal has the option to extend by another year, Arteta wants more stability for the pair to honor the tremendous growth they have made this season.

He said: ‘Part of the plan is the extend the contracts of the biggest talents at our club. The others will be done whenever we can.

‘I see everyone really happy and willing to continue with the club.’

Meanwhile, Martinelli is happy to have put any lingering rumors about his future to rest and is now entirely focused on winning awards for the supporters who have shown him such adoration since his entrance as an unproven teenager three and a half years ago.

He said: ‘I feel amazing, I’m really happy in getting the new contract,” he said. “I want to do my best for the team and for the fans as well, to give back to them and make them proud.

‘I’ve said it many times, I love everything about Arsenal. I love the city, I love my teammates, I love the fans, I love the club and I’m going to try my best for this football club.

‘We need to win trophies. I think not just me but everyone in that dressing room wants to go to the games to win them, and for our fans.’