Jose Enrique has stated on Instagram ‘I like what Arsenal are doing’ amid rumours that one of their key players, Gabriel Martinelli, is set to sign a new deal.
The 21-year-old has played a key role in Mikel Arteta’s side sitting at the top of the Premier League table and, as a result of that form, he earned a call-up to Brazil’s World Cup squad.
From that fresh-faced teenager that was plugged from the lower leagues of Brazil by Edu Gaspar to becoming one of the exciting forwards in the Premier League, it has been some rise for the player.
So much so, that there was a lot of interest in the player, including from Barcelona, but perhaps more surprisingly, from London rivals Chelsea.
But with Martinelli’s current deal set to expire in 2024, he is now going to renew until 2027 in north London, according to the Spanish outlet and Catalan-based paper SPORT
When the news broke to former Liverpool defender Enrique, he appreciated the work the Gunners are doing and how they are pinning down their best talents.
“I like what Arsenal are doing in the transfer market,” said Enrique. “Renewing their best players’ contract etc… Well done Arsenal.”
MARTINELLI TO COVER FOR JESUS?
Brazil suffered an early exit at the Qatar World Cup, with Martinelli playing a back-up role under the now-departed manager, Tite.
It would have been a massive learning experience for Martinelli, but unlike Gabriel Jesus, he returns to the Emirates fit and healthy.
Mikel Arteta has some big decisions to make because of Jesus’ potential long-term absence, which could include Martinelli playing through the middle.
Now, it seems as though Eddie Nketiah will take that role before Martinelli changes positions, but it wouldn’t be a surprise if Arteta tried it at one point.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
