Arsenal attacker Gabriel Martinelli has claimed that teammate Bukayo Saka will stay at the Emirates Stadium for a long time.
The futures of the two 21-year-olds have been major buzz points at London Colney, with Arsenal prioritizing new contracts for Saka, Martinelli, and William Saliba this season.
A few months after stating that he “just needed to get a pen”, Martinelli pledged his long-term future to the Premier League leaders with a new deal through the end of the 2026-27 season.
Arsenal have since upped their talks with Saka and Saliba, both of whom are set to become free agents in 2024, having secured Martinelli’s contract for a few more years.
Manchester City and Liverpool are reportedly monitoring Saka’s status, but Mikel Arteta remains confident about Arsenal’s chances of keeping their academy graduate.
See Also: Richarlison Hits Out At Spurs Coach Conte Over Playing Time
Martinelli revealed to the press ahead of Thursday’s Europa League last-16 first leg against Sporting Lisbon that he, Saka, and Saliba often joke about their respective contract statuses, and he is sure that the England international will stay put.
“I will be happy because he is a very, very good player, one of the best young players in the world. He is at his house, you know,” football.london quotes Martinelli as saying.
“Arsenal is his home and for sure he is happy. And we will be happy as well if he stays and signs a new deal. We always have some jokes – me, him and [William] Saliba. But it’s up to him. But he will stay for sure. He loves the club.”
Saka’s efforts have been pivotal in Arsenal’s surprising Premier League title bid this season, with 10 goals and nine assists in 26 top-flight games.
COMMENTS