Gabriel Martinelli has pledged his commitment to Arsenal saying he’ll stay at the club for the rest of his career if he has the chance.

Arriving as an unknown quantity from Brazilian fourth-tier outfit Ituano in July 2019, the striker has experienced his fair share of highs and lows during a traumatic three year period for the club.

He was quick to turn heads when he scored on his League Cup debut under Unai Emery and went on to burnish his reputation with goals at Anfield and Stamford Bridge before a serious knee injury sidelined him for six months during the pandemic. A frustrating spell warming the bench was followed by a gold medal at the Olympics which has helped bolster his confidence.

Still only 20, he’s now targeting a place in Brazil’s squad for the World Cup and is set on helping the Gunners get back into the Champions League.

“I’m working towards that, doing my best, so that Arsenal can qualify for the Champions League first and, consequently, get a spot in the World Cup,” he told ESPN Brasil.

“It’s every player’s dream to play in a Champions League and World Cup. This season, I can compete for a spot in the Champions League and consequently win a spot in the national team”

Under contract until 2024, there are suggestions the Gunners will look to tie Martinelli down to a new deal next season. It seems there are no doubts in the striker’s mind that Arsenal is where he wants to be.

“We always want more,” he said of Mikel Arteta’s young squad. “Of course, Arsenal are a giant team. If I can, I’ll stay here my whole life. I want to conquer things, I already said, I want to stay here and win titles, with this wonderful crowd, my teammates.

“We have a young group, we have a lot of time ahead of us, players with a lot of quality, I think we will achieve great things. Our focus [today] is the Champions League. Fighting for that top four. A club like Arsenal has to be in the Champions League. It’s our total focus.”

Obviously, it’s nice to hear such positive words from Gabi even if his professing of undying love comes with a heavy dash of youthful exuberance.

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