Rising star Gabriel Martinelli signs new four-year deal at Arsenal

Gabriel Martinelli’s remarkable debut season at Arsenal has been rewarded with a new four-year contract and a significant pay rise.

The Brazilian has been one of the breakout stars of the season after arriving as a little-known acquisition from Ituano last summer. His new four-year contract includes an option for a fifth year.

The 19-year-old has struck 10 goals in 26 appearances for Arsenal, making him their second-highest scorer in all competitions, behind Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.

Martinelli is the first teenager to score 10 goals in a single season for Arsenal since Nicolas Anelka more than 20 years ago.

His new contract comes just 48 hours after the club tied Bukayo Saka, another teenage sensation, to a new four-year deal.

“I am very happy that Gabi has signed a new contract with us,” said head coach Mikel Arteta. “He is a very talented young player and he has impressed us with his performances, attitude and work-rate.

“We are looking forward to getting him back to full fitness and watching his development at our club.”

Martinelli will play no further part in this season after he suffered a knee injury in training. The forward, who can play on either wing or as a central striker, had surgery on his knee last month.

Arteta believes Martinelli’s long-term future for the club will be as a central striker, and the striker’s instinctive finishing has generated huge excitement around the club this season.

His goal against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge, when he ran from deep within his own half, is seen as one of Arsenal’s finest goals of the campaign.

“I am very happy to commit my future to this great club and I would like to thank Arsenal and all the fans for this fantastic year,” said Martinelli.

“It is the first year of many and I can’t wait to be back to play a part in the exciting seasons to come.”