Mikel Arteta has hinted that it’ll be a few weeks before he has an update on Gabriel Martinelli’s proposed new contract at the club.
Despite recent rumours emanating from Spain that a deal has already been agreed, it appears our striker is yet to “get a pen” for the agreement to be formalised.
That’s not to suggest there’s anything to worry about. Speaking before his departure for the World Cup, Martinelli couldn’t have been any more emphatic about his desire to stay at the club. His manager has also been pretty relaxed about the situation.
Facing the media ahead of the Boxing Day clash with West Ham United, Arteta fielded a question on his number 11.
“No news,” he said when asked about the contract.
“We’re extremely happy with him, and he had a great experience with the Brazilian national team. You can keep asking in the next few weeks!”
Arsenal are also eager to tie down William Saliba and Bukayo Saka with talks set to resume with their respective camps.
From a player perspective, you can understand why they held off putting pen to paper prior to their involvement in Qatar where a chance to further cement their credentials on a global stage has given them even more leverage in salary negotiations.
Good things come to those who wait.
Except Spurs, of course.
Only a matter of time in two of those names and a big hope that the third name follows suit
Seems like there’s four negotiations happening now, add Ramsdale to the list.
I have a fine selection of pens I can ship to the club to help with this…I’m sure they’re just waiting to do a big triple contract announcement!
Can’t help but agree with Pele though. If truly he was offered a 200k a week contract, then I’m not sure why he still hasn’t signed. I don’t have all the knowledge, and frankly I’m most ignorant about his personal circumstances, but holding out because of a few extra thousand pounds seems strange if he has all the love for the game and the club he professes
Nobody for sure knows the situation. So, I would say it is unfair to the player if we just assume he is holding out for more money. Also I have no problems with him trying to maximize his earnings. He is a professional and he has just one career. If they get to a conclusion without burning bridges, it is a win-win ! Hoping for the best.
Presumably he has an agent. They won’t want a pen, they’ll want a suitcase full of gold ingots and we’ll be arguing about the size of the suitcase.
Agents today, their whole profession is sick to the bone. That part of the game has to change for the better, asap.
Players have a short career. I wont begrudge them salary negotiations, like any other professional does.