Mikel Arteta says he hopes Gabriel Martinelli is just the first of Arsenal's key players to sign a long-term contract extension.
Arsenal announced on Friday that Martinelli has signed a new four-and-a-half year deal until 2027, with the option of a further year.
The 21-year-old, who joined the club from the Brazilian lower leagues in the summer of 2019, is enjoying a breakout season for the Premier League leaders, scoring seven times in 27 appearances.
The Gunners, who face Sean Dyche's Everton at Goodison Park on Saturday lunchtime, are also in talks over extensions for Bukayo Saka and William Saliba.
Asked about progress in discussions with the pair, Arteta said: "Part of the plan obviously is to extend the contracts of our biggest talents at the club and commit them to the future.
"We are trying to do that. We have started with Gabi and that is good news, the others will be done when we can and we have to agree on that.
"I see everyone really happy and really willing to continue at the club but we have to meet everyone's expectations and timing is key on that.
"[Martinelli's new deal] is great news, obviously we want to build on all the talent and youth we have in the squad so it is great to see them happy and willing to commit to the club and what we want to do for the future," added the Arsenal manager.
"He is a player with enormous potential that still has so many things to improve but is already performing at a really high level.
"I think [he can improve] in all departments. When you ask him he can develop physically, mentally, develop in terms of consistency, he can develop defensively, in the final third and the spaces he occupies and his numbers can improve but he is so willing, that is the best thing about Gabi."
The Gunners are also expected to trigger an option to extend Mohamed Elneny's deal by a further year despite the Egyptian being set for an extended spell on the sidelines following knee surgery.
Speaking after his new deal was announced, Martinelli said: "I was born a long, long way from north London but as soon as I got here, our supporters made me feel like one of them.
"It didn't take me long to realise this place is about more than football. It's about us, our heritage, our togetherness and our community spirit that you have to experience to understand.
"Day by day we make new memories together and feel the pride that comes from being a Gunner. I feel it every day. I feel it on the pitch. I feel it walking down the streets when someone stops me to say, 'you were class this weekend, mate'.
"So, thank you Gunners, for making me feel at home. I couldn't imagine being anywhere else."
