Martinelli set to snub Barcelona and sign Arsenal contract extension in huge boost for Premier League leaders

Gabriel Martinelli is set to snub Barcelona and sign a new Arsenal contract, according to reports.

Mikel Arteta has been eager to bolster his attacking options in the coming transfer window, with the Gunners having been linked to the likes of Mykhailo Mudryk since the summer.

However, Arsenal will be just as eager to hang on to the prized assets in the winter transfer window.

Manchester City are allegedly interested in a move to sign Arsenal talisman Bukayo Saka, while Martinelli has been linked with a move to Barcelona for months.

However, reports in Spain are now claiming Martinelli will snub Barcelona’s interest and sign a new contract at the Emirates.

Martinelli to stay at Arsenal?

Spanish publication Sport has claimed that Martinelli has decided to extend his contract at Arsenal until 2027, thereby turning down the opportunity to sign for Arsenal.

The 21-year-old’s current deal expires in 2024, though he has been in negotiations over a renewal for weeks.

Talks allegedly accelerated after key forward Gabriel Jesus suffered an injury while on international duty with Brazil, with the forward expected to be out of action for around three months.

The Spanish publication claims Martinelli expressed his desire to remain at Arsenal days ago and there are unlikely to be any setbacks in the Brazil international extending his stay in north London.

Martinelli is said to be “very close” to signing an Arsenal extension, despite Barcelona having expressed an interest in the player for the past few months.

Reports linking Martinelli to Barcelona have existed for months, with the club said to have been impressed by the Brazilian's Premier League form. The Catalan giants are also thought to have a good relationship with the player's entourage.