‘Stop saying that’: TalkSPORT pundit says agent won’t be happy after what £6m Arsenal star said this week

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TalkSPORT pundit Gabriel Agbonlahor has claimed that Arsenal star Gabriel Martinelli will have been told by his agent not to appear too keen on penning a new Gunners contract.

The 21-year-old has become one of the stars of Mikel Arteta’s high-flying team over the past year.

Martinelli joined Arsenal back in 2019 from Brazilian outfit Ituano for a mere £6million.

He enjoyed a superb maiden season at the Emirates before then falling out of contention somewhat.

But now, Martinelli has shown Arteta he has what it takes, and he’s been sensational for the Gunners.

‘Just need to get a pen’

The Brazilian’s contract runs until 2024, though Arsenal have an option to extend it to 2026.

However, the Gunners seem keen on rewarding Martinelli with a bumper new contract.

And earlier this week, the Arsenal forward expressed his desire to commit his future to the club.

Speaking to the media ahead of Thursday’s Europa League clash with FC Zurich, he said: “I’m very happy at Arsenal.

“I said it many times, this is my club, I love to be here, I love the city, I love the club, I love everything about Arsenal.

“I want to stay, I’m very happy – I just need to get a pen!”

‘No, no, no’

Agbonlahor, speaking on talkSPORT, felt Martinelli’s agent won’t have been happy with his client’s comments.

“His agent’s probably saying like ‘stop saying that, no, no, no, we’re not signing yet.

“‘I’m going to get you the maximum money and the best contract possible, what you’ve done in the Premier League this season for Arsenal there’s going to be a number of clubs that want you, so you’re going to get the best possible deal’.

“So it will take a lot of negotiations, it will be things like the signing-on fee is this amount, wages need to go up every year, does your dad get something out of the deal? Does your mum get something?

“Does your sister and brother get something? The contracts nowadays for some of these Premier League clubs are crazy.

“‘I want a free box, the box I get for my family, that has to be included’, that might be £50,000-60,000, that’s included. They’ll be other things that agents think ‘what else can I add in?'”

Refreshing

Agbonlahor does have a point – agents’ roles are to represent their clients and get the best possible deals for them.

However, it’s refreshing to hear a player talk candidly about how much he wants to stay and pen a new contract.

All too often, players will give coy statements about their future where they don’t give too much away.

Meanwhile, Martinelli has expressed his love for the club and desire to remain – good on him.