Gabriel Martinelli makes Arsenal contract admission as January transfer plan emerges

Arsenal return to action on Thursday night when they close their Europa League group stage campaign.

The Gunners failed to secure top spot last week, but they can ensure they finish top of their group by matching PSV’s result when they face FC Zurich. Amid a compact season, the difference in finishing top and second is a big one, given top ensures you play a round - and indeed two games - less in the knockout stage.

Arsenal will also have half an eye on this weekend’s London derby with Chelsea in the Premier League, a game Mikel Arteta’s men will likely have to win to stay top. But in the meantime, we have taken a look at the latest transfer news and rumours surrounding the Emirates Stadium.

Martinelli admission

Arsenal star Gabriel Martinelli has made it clear he wants to sign a new contract. Martinelli has been in excellent form this term, and it’s no secret that the Gunners want to reward him with a new deal.

Martinelli already has a contract until 2024, but he is not on a big contract, given he arrived at the club as a youngster. It seems the Gunners will have no trouble convincing one of their star wingers.

“I’m very happy at Arsenal. I said it many times. This is my club. I love to be here, I love the city, the club, everything about Arsenal,” Martinelli said this week. “I want to stay. I’m very happy. They just need a pen.”

January plans

Arsenal are likely to add to their squad in the January summer transfer window, but The Telegraph have provided some details on sporting director Edu’s plans.

According to the report, Edu has greenlit one signing in January, with Arsenal having already spent big in the summer. It seems Arteta will have to carefully consider who he wants to add to his in-form side.

It’s claimed the Gunners are looking to sign a winger, with Arteta not having enough depth out wide, having to rely heavily upon Martinelli and Bukayo Saka.