Mikel Arteta attempted to remain coy about reports about Gabriel Martinelli committing his future to Arsenal, but it could be a case of his actions being worth a thousand words.
According to Spanish publication SPORT, the Brazil international is 'close' to signing a new contract until 2027, with the Daily Mail adding that the winger will see his wages almost triple to £200,000-a-week, which would make him one of the highest-paid players at the club.
Martinelli's current deal technically expires in the summer of 2024, but football.london understands that Arsenal have the option to extend it by a further two years - thus taking it to 2026 - but the feeling is that they are confident of agreeing fresh terms with the winger.
READ MORE: Every word Mikel Arteta said on William Saliba return, January transfers and Martinelli contract
Whilst the 21-year-old has previously stated that he wants to stay and the club "just need to give me a pen" in order to sign a new contract, in typical fashion, Arteta wasn't giving too much away when asked if the latest rumours surrounding Martinelli are indeed true or false.
"No, no news," the Spaniard told reporters during his pre-West Ham United press conference at London Colney on Thursday afternoon. "Extremely happy with him, I think he had a great experience at the World Cup with the Brazilian national team and you can keeping asking in the next few weeks."
Whilst that response did not confirm a Martinelli contract announcement is imminent, some Arsenal fans on social media are adamant that Arteta copied something former manager Arsene Wenger used to do right before concluding a deal - smile after talking about some potentially big news for the club.
Described as Wenger's 'transfer grin' by some Gunners fans, the Frenchman did this before concluding deals for the likes of Santi Cazorla, Mesut Ozil, and Alexis Sanchez. In fact, in the Spaniard's case, he actually denied knowing who the midfielder was and played down moves for the latter duo.
Of course, Arteta can't pretend he doesn't know who Martinelli is as the pair have been working alongside each other at the Emirates Stadium since December 2019 when the Spaniard was initially appointed Arsenal head coach before his job title was upgraded to manager less than a year later.
READ NEXT:
Kylian Mbappe's 63-hour message to William Saliba hands Arsenal boost ahead of West Ham
Gabriel Martinelli 'close' to signing new Arsenal contract triggers stunning Bukayo Saka theory
The three things that must happen when Arsenal face West Ham in Premier League return
Arsenal to avoid naming Mykhaylo Mudryk in Premier League squad if £40m transfer is completed
Arsenal news and transfers LIVE: The latest news, rumours and gossip from the Emirates Stadium
