ARSENAL wonderkid Gabriel Martinelli has reportedly extended his contract at the Emirates until 2027.
Martinelli, 21, was picked up from the lower leagues of Brazilian football in 2019.
But he has become an integral part of the team and it has been claimed that he believes in Mikel Arteta's project.
Meanwhile, Fulham are closing in on a deal to sign fringe full-back Cedric Soares.
And keep up to date with all of the latest info on Mykhaylo Mudryk as he edges closer to completing a deal with the North London outfit.
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- Kiro Evans
Martinelli set to sign
Gabriel Martinelli could be about to commit to a new Arsenal contract that would see his wages rise to £200,000.
The Brazilian is enjoying a brilliant season at the Emirates and is attracting interest from huge clubs like Barcelona.
The Mail report contract discussions are now at an advance stage over a new deal which will see him become one of the club's highest-earners.
The 21-year-old is believed to be happy at the Emirates and will be looking to help them capture their first Premier League title since 2005 when top-flight football returns on Boxing Day.
- Chisanga Malata
Good morning Arsenal fans
Arsenal's medical staff are targeting February 25 for Gabriel Jesus’ big return to action.
Jesus is sidelined after undergoing knee surgery for an injury he suffered during the 2022 World Cup.
But the Gunners are confident they will have their striker back before spring.
That means the Brazil international may return for the trip to Leicester.
Meanwhile, Arsenal will welcome Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli back imminently, according to manager Mikel Arteta.
Saka and Martinelli are expected to be fit to play in the Gunners' next Premier League visit at West Ham, which takes place on Boxing Day.
Arteta said: "They’ll come back straight away into the rhythm, shape and mould of the team.
“We’re waiting for them and they are desperate to be back as well. I’ve spoken to both of them.
“Gabi [Martinelli] was here today, with a big smile and big energy. He’s ready to go again. It’s going to be a big boost for the team.”
And Arsenal have opened transfer talks with Shakhtar Donetsk star Mykhaylo Mudryk.
But the Gunners are hoping Shakhtar will lower their asking price for Mudryk, which currently stands at £85million.
According to the Evening Standard, negotiations are underway for the winger over a deal early in the New Year.
But the Ukrainian giants rate the 21-year-old like Jack Grealish, who commanded a £100m release clause before joining Manchester City from Aston Villa in 2021.
However, Arsenal manager Arteta and the board are confident they will be willing to drop their demands for the Ukraine international.
Finally, Martinelli has reportedly extended his contract at the Emirates until 2027.
The winger’s current deal runs until 2024, though Arsenal have the option to extend it for a further two years.
According to SPORT, the Brazil international feels comfortable at the Emirates and would like to stay for another five years.
Martinelli has impressed in North London and attracted interest from some of the world's biggest clubs, including Barcelona.
- Kostas Lianos
Bukayo Saka prediction
Arsenal star Bukayo Saka has what it takes to keep the club ahead of Manchester City in the hunt for Premier League glory.
Silverste told bettingexpert: “I want to see Saka keep his performance level from the World Cup.
"He became a top performer and was finding solutions and the back of the net.
"Saka continuing at that level would keep Arsenal in the race”
- Kostas Lianos
Nicolo Zanio-no progress
Roma star Nicolo Zaniolo is still on Arsenal's radar – but there's no progress towards a deal.
That appears to be the case after transfer expert Fabrizio Romano claimed there had been no negotiations between the two clubs.
The Gunners' manager Mikel Arteta already has Martin Odegaard and Fabio Vieira as attacking midfielders.
But Zaniolo, 23, can play out wide and has been linked with a string of clubs this season, including Tottenham
- Kostas Lianos
Gunner be ok
Arsenal ace Ben White has thanked fans for their support after his England World Cup exit.
White left the Three Lions' squad in Qatar prior to their Last-16 win over Senegal due to “personal reasons.”
And stunning reports claimed the centre-back went home after being involved in a training ground bust-up with manager Gareth Southgate's assistant Steve Holland.
And the 25-year-old has now posted a video addressing Gunners fans after they named him Arsenal Player of the Month for November.
White beamed: “Hiya guys, I just wanted to give you a quick message and say thank you so much for voting me for Player of the Month.
“I really appreciate it and I’m so thankful for the support you’ve shown me this season and every game.
“I hope everyone has a really good Christmas and spends time with their family and has a good time. Cheers”
- Kostas Lianos
Gunners injury blow
Arsenal ace Reiss Nelson has broken his silence with a three-word social media message after suffering injury.
Nelson, 23, pulled up feeling his hamstring in the first half of the Gunners 2-0 defeat to Juventus.
However, the winger seems to have offered a glint of hope that the damage will be nothing long-term as he took to Instagram.
Nelson posted a three-word caption on his story that simply read: “Trust the process”
Credit: Getty - Kostas Lianos
Wilshere reacts to Messi
Arsenal hero Jack Wilshere revealed he was "emotional" during the 2022 World Cup Final and praised Argentina captain Lionel Messi.
Wilshere wrote in his column for The Sun: "Never have I felt so emotional watching a game of football.
"I so wanted Lionel Messi to win the World Cup. I was screaming at the TV with excitement every time Argentina scored — and shouting myself hoarse at their defenders when the French were coming back.
"I was watching it with my Arsenal coaching staff and we were all up and down like yo-yos. I’m not going quite as far as to say I was crying when that final whistle went — but I just might have done if Messi had lost.
"And to make the occasion absolutely perfect, there was my old Gunners pal Emi Martinez standing alongside him as a world champion, and after having performed so magnificently.
"Honestly, it doesn’t get any better — unless, of course, England had won. I’ve said during this World Cup that Messi is the greatest player there’s ever been, and for any of the doubters, I trust this now ends the debate"
- Kostas Lianos
Bukayo Saka race
Arsenal will renew talks with Bukayo Saka over a contract extension in the "next weeks and months".
According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, the Gunners will resume talks in the coming months as we enter 2023.
Saka adds that the North Londoners accept that these negotiations take time.
The winger was in brilliant form for England during the 2022 World Cup in Qatar
- Kostas Lianos
Robin van Damn
Arsenal legend Robin van Persie has been forced to release a statement after hackers posted porn to his Facebook page.
The X-rated content was posted to the famous striker's story on the social media site, where he has 18million followers.
Van Persie tweeted: "I'm afraid someone hacked into my Facebook account (@ Robin van Persie) early this morning, so if you see cute cat content or whatever may potentially come next before I have control back.. It wasn't me.."
A follow-up tweet said: "Unfortunately, for a second time in a short time my Facebook page has been hacked into and inappropriate content has been published without my control.
"We are working on a solution and hopefully. @facebook is able to sort this out quickly. Sorry for any inconvenience caused"
- Kostas Lianos
Ful of the joys
Fulham are close to signing Arsenal ace Cedric Soares ahead of the January transfer window.
Cedric has been told he can leave the Gunners after the New Year with manager Mikel Arteta open to offloading the fringe star.
The right-back is set to join the Cottagers on a permanent deal.
The Whites were reported to be keen on the Portugal international in the summer and have reignited their interest in the defender
Credit: Getty - Kostas Lianos
Time to Co
Sevilla star Isco is set to leave the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan only four months after signing for the club.
The midfielder had been trying to find his feet at a new club after a difficult few years at Real Madrid.
But his move to Andalusia has not gone to plan and the six-times Europa League winners find themselves in the relegation zone after 14 games.
Then manager Julen Lopetegui, who is believed to have been a close ally of Isco, was sacked in October after the club's poor start to the season and joined Wolves.
And now the 30-year-old could himself be on the way out of Seville, according to Marca.
Arsenal and Tottenham are among the clubs who have been linked to the former Real ace, who at his height was viewed as among Europe's best playmakers
- Kostas Lianos
Martinelli new contract
Arsenal ace Gabriel Martinelli has reportedly extended his contract at the Emirates until 2027.
Martinelli's current deal runs until 2024, though the Gunners have the option to extend it for a further two years.
According to SPORT, the winger feels comfortable at the Emirates and would like to stay for another five years.
The Brazil international has impressed in North London and attracted interest from some of the world's biggest clubs, including Barcelona
- Kostas Lianos
Myk a move
Arsenal have opened transfer talks with Shakhtar Donetsk star Mykhaylo Mudryk.
But the Gunners are hoping Shakhtar will lower their asking price for Mudryk, which stands at £85million.
According to the Evening Standard, negotiations are now underway for the winger over a deal early in the New Year.
But the Ukrainian giants rate the 21-year-old like Jack Grealish, who commanded a £100m release clause before joining Manchester City from Aston Villa.
However, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta and the board are confident they will be willing to drop their demands for the Ukraine international
- Kostas Lianos
Saka and Martinelli return
Arsenal will welcome Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli back imminently, according to manager Mikel Arteta.
Saka and Martinelli are expected to be fit to play in the Gunners' next Premier League visit at West Ham on Boxing Day.
Arteta said: "They’ll come back straight away into the rhythm, shape and mould of the team.
“We’re waiting for them and they are desperate to be back as well. I’ve spoken to both of them.
“Gabi [Martinelli] was here today, with a big smile and big energy. He’s ready to go again. It’s going to be a big boost for the team”
Credit: AFP - Kostas Lianos
Jesus return date
Arsenal's medical staff are targeting February 25 for Gabriel Jesus’ return to action.
Jesus is currently sidelined after undergoing knee surgery for an injury he suffered during the 2022 World Cup.
But the Gunners are confident they will have the striker back before spring.
That means the Brazil international could return for the trip to Leicester
- Kostas Lianos
Don't sign Ronaldo
Arsenal legend Nigel Winterburn has told his former club to avoid signing Cristiano Ronaldo at all costs as that would be a "complete disaster".
Winterburn said: "It’s a no from me and there’s only one simple reason; it would be a short-term gap to fill. A lot of people might say that’s great, let’s do it.
"I wouldn’t be able to argue with that, but I think the way Arsenal start games, they press high, they’re full of energy, and Ronaldo is an unbelievable player, but I don’t think he has the legs to be able to do that any more.
"I’m certain he doesn’t. I think Arsenal would have to change their style of play to bring him in, and I think that move would be a complete disaster"
- Anthony Chapman
Atletico man on Arsenal's radar
Arsenal are keeping tabs on Atletico Madrid forward Matheus Cunha.
The Brazilian is seen as a potential replacement for crocked Gabriel Jesus.
Cunha is not wanted by Diego Simeone and is available for transfer next month.
- Anthony Chapman
Soares set to join Fulham
Cedric Soares is on the brink of joining Fulham.
Mikel Arteta is happy for fringe players to leave Arsenal next month.
And the Portuguese right-back will be the first to go as he joins London rivals Fulham.
It's reckoned Soares will move for just a nominal fee.
- Anthony Chapman
Hammers back to trounce Arsenal
Glen Johnson believes Arsenal will lose to West Ham without Gabriel Jesus in their side.
He told Midnite: “Arsenal have lost their main man Gabriel Jesus who is a brilliant player.
“Arsenal have had a few players go to the World Cup too so the squad won't all be fully fit, and they've obviously had injuries.
“If there ever was a time to play Arsenal, now is the time. West Ham will win 1-0.”
- Anthony Chapman
RVP in porn hack apology
Man Utd and Arsenal legend Robin van Persie has been forced to release a statement after hackers posted porn to his Facebook page.
The X-rated content was posted to the popular retired ace's story on the social media site, where he has 18million followers.
Van Persie tweeted: "I'm afraid someone hacked into my Facebook account (@ Robin van Persie) early this morning, so if you see cute cat content or whatever may potentially come next before I have control back.. It wasn't me..
"Unfortunately, for a second time in a short time my Facebook page has been hacked into and inappropriate content has been published without my control. We are working on a solution."
- Anthony Chapman
Gunners get Jesus return date
Arsenal are reportedly expecting Jesus to return in February.
That's February 25, to be exact.
Gunners boffins have been working night and day to ensure Jesus returns to full health after surgery.
And it's believed they have told Mikel Arteta to mark February 25 on his calendar for Jesus' return to action.
- Anthony Chapman
TV info – West Ham vs Arsenal
Arsenal get their Premier League campaign back underway next week against West Ham.
- Arsenal vs West Ham will take place on Boxing Day – Monday, December 26.
- Emirates Stadium will play host to the clash.
- The game will kick off at 8pm UK time.
MORE WEST HAM VS ARSENAL INFO HERE
Arsenal back in Saka talks
Arsenal have reopened talks with Bukayo Saka over a new contract.
Fabrizio Romano claims negotiations are back on after being paused over the World Cup period.
Saka is out of contract in 2024 and has been linked with Man City.
Arsenal accept talks will take time but are confident Saka will commit his future to the Emirates.
SunSport exclusive by Jack Wilshere
Never have I felt so emotional watching a game of football.
I so wanted Lionel Messi to win the World Cup.
I was screaming at the TV with excitement every time Argentina scored.
And I was also shouting myself hoarse at their defenders when the French were coming back!
READ THE REST HERE
Gunners urged to avoid Ronnie
Nigel Winterburn has told former side Arsenal they must avoid signing ex-Man Utd man Cristiano Ronaldo at all costs.
He said: "It’s a no from me and there’s only one simple reason; it would be a short-term gap to fill.
"A lot of people might say that’s great, let’s do it.
"I wouldn’t be able to argue with that, but I think the way Arsenal start games, they press high, they’re full of energy, and Ronaldo is an unbelievable player, but I don’t think he has the legs to be able to do that any more.
"I’m certain he doesn’t. I think Arsenal would have to change their style of play to bring him in, and I think that move would be a complete disaster."
Source: Read Full Article
