Gabriel Martinelli has admitted Arsenal players are “dreaming” about winning the title.
Martinelli says “hunger and mentality” is driving Arsenal ’s title charge as he also said he is ready to sign a new extended contract at the Emirates. Gunners forward Martinelli, 21, is in the form of his life and revelling in being a central figure in Arsenal’s impressive start to the season.
Mikel Arteta’s men are sitting pretty at the top of the Premier League after winning eight of their first nine games of the season. They made a big title statement with their win over Liverpool - straight after beating Tottenham the previous game - to show they mean business.
Manchester City are still red-hot favourites and are breathing down Arsenal’s necks but Martinelli admits the players are enjoying the ride even if they will let the fans enjoy any title talk. Brazil star Martnelli said: “Yeah of course we dream about it, but we leave that to the fans. We only think about the next game and trying to win.
“I think you guys can see from the outside our hunger and our mentality. We want to win every single game and I think everyone can see that. It was amazing (after Liverpool). Everyone was hugging each other. Everyone knew that it was going to be a tough game and, as I said, I think we deserved that. It was a great game and a great win. I think we deserved the three points.”
Martinelli has been a huge hit at Arsenal since his arrival three years ago but is now enjoying the best and most consistent form of his career. He has remained injury free and his understanding with Gabriel Jesus and Bukayo Saka in attack has been key to Arsenal’s impressive run and results.
Martinelli enjoys a special link with fellow Brazilian as they have dovetailed together perfectly and he believes the three of them will only get better. “It’s amazing to play alongside them and I am so happy to have the opportunity to play with them. I think Arsenal is a big club and we have a lot of good players,” said Martinelli.
“Jesus is a great guy, not just on the pitch but off the pitch as well. He is always trying to help me and all the players. He is 25 but he has a lot of experience, and everyone loves him. I think we are getting better with each game, you guys can see. We have a lot of time to improve, and I think we have great quality, and I think we can do more.”
Martinelli has already scored four goals this season and is catching admiring glances because of his dazzling form. His current deal expires in 2024 and, even though Arsenal have an option to extend it, there is a will on both sides to thrash out a new deal.
Arsenal and Martinelli have already held talks about a new, long term deal to reward his impressive form. Martinelli says he is in the form of his life and also underlined that he wants to stay at the Emirates.
He added: “I think it’s my best season here at Arsenal. I’m so happy for this moment. Of course, I want to stay. We are talking. Let’s see what is going to happen. But I want to stay, of course.”
