A journalist has dropped an in-house Arsenal update and it is good news for Mikel Arteta as he looks to plan for the future.

What’s the news?

Mark Mann-Bryans, who covers Arsenal for PA Sport, has claimed that the Gunners have recently opened talks with winger Gabriel Martinelli, tweeting: “Understand that contract talks with Gabriel Martinelli have recently opened. Expected to be on much improved terms.

“Would be seen as a reward for fine form given he still has plenty of time to run on current deal and club already has an option to extend by a year.”

Arteta will be hoping to get him tied down to a long-term deal as soon as possible in order to fend off any potential suitors for the Brazilian.

Its great news for Arsenal

The 40-year-old appears to be turning the tide at Arsenal, and after a strong summer of transfer activity, including the signings of Gabriel Jesus and Oleksandr Zinchenko, they should challenge for a top-four Premier League place.

Improving existing players' contracts is also important for the Spaniard's long-term vision of the club, and with reported plans to tie down William Saliba to a long-term deal, it's Martinelli’s turn next.

The £90k-p/w winger moved to the Emirates Stadium in 2019 for what now looks like a bargain £6m fee. The 21-year-old has started this season brilliantly, playing two Premier League matches and scoring twice, with an average WhoScored rating of 7.84 as he looks set to kick onto the next level.

Martinelli has proven to be a constant threat going forward, ranking in the top 10% compared to positional peers in Europe’s top five leagues when it comes to touches in the attacking penalty area (6.53 per match), while he can also offer defensive qualities.

The Brazilian ranks in the top 8% for blocks (1.83 per match) and top 16% for aerial duels won (1.28) showing his increased maturity as he can now contribute to both Arsenal’s attack and defence.

With two years left on his current contract, it appears that the extension is to give him better terms and hopefully ward off any advances from other clubs, especially with his impressive form so far this season. Described by Football Daily's Connor Humm as a player who's “exploding” into life, the 21-year-old seems to have a hugely exciting future ahead.

Arteta is building an excellent team and the Arsenal faithful have plenty of reasons for optimism, particularly after the fine start to the season that they are enjoying, and the prospect of a new contract for Martinelli offers further good news for Gooners.