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Sticking around

Arsenal star Gabriel Martinelli has signed a new long-term contract, understood to run until 2027.

The Brazilian forward, 21, has been one of the standout stars for the Gunners this season, scoring seven times for Mikel Arteta’s Premier League leaders.

Martinelli moved to the Emirates from boyhood club Ituano in 2019 and has since made 111 appearances across all competitions.

He said: "I was born a long, long way from North London but as soon as I got here our supporters made me feel like one of them.

"It didn't take me long to realise this place is about more than football.

"Thank you Gunners, for making me feel at home. I couldn't imagine being anywhere else."

Arteta added: "We're delighted Gabi has signed a new long-term contract.

"We're now excited to continue to develop his huge talent and look forward to seeing him perform with Arsenal in the years to come."

Gunning for glory

Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard will go head-to-head for the Men's Player of the Year prize at the London Football Awards after nominees for the ceremony were announced on Friday.

The pair battle with Harry Kane, Ivan Toney and Aleksandar Mitrovic for the prestigious accolade after stellar seasons for their respective London clubs.

Saka has also been named in the Young Player of the Year category alongside Gunners team-mates William Saliba and Gabriel Martinelli — a list which also includes Michael Olise of Crystal Palace and Millwall's Billy Mitchell.

In further Arsenal dominance, Mikel Arteta is up for Manager of the Year and Aaron Ramsdale for Goalkeeper of the Year, while Beth Mead and Kim Little are included among the Women’s Footballer of the Year nominees.

Thomas Frank and Marco Silva have also gained recognition for their outstanding seasons with top-half pair Brentford and Fulham with nominations for the manager's prize.

Winners will be announced at the London Football Awards ceremony in North London on March 13.

Spurs chiefs defend transfer activity

Tottenham's board have rejected claims the club failed to invest significantly in the playing squad.

The Tottenham Hotspur Supporters' Trust wrote to the Spurs hierarchy last month expressing concern over the direction of the North London outfit, including the medium to long-term strategy of owners ENIC and January transfer window plans.

Club chiefs responded on Thursday night, days after the transfer window closed with only Arnaut Danjuma and Pedro Porro added to Antonio Conte's squad.

They said: "The club has invested heavily in the squad. This is a continual process with the aim of standing the club in good stead on the pitch for years to come.

"Since opening the stadium in April 2019 we have spent more than £500million putting us in the top quartile of spending in the Premier League — and we have made significant investments in the women's team.

"In addition to the summer investment of over £200m we have committed to a further £47m spend this January.

"Despite this we consistently see references to our perceived lack of backing for head coaches and lack of spending. 

"It's important that we deal with facts — our spend levels quite clearly show that we have backed our football side.

"We have felt the financial impact of supporting player purchases which have not worked out as hoped. We have taken steps to improve this area of operations and the recent windows reflect this."

O'Brien in Forest wilderness

Lewis O'Brien is facing an uncertain future after being left out of Nottingham Forest's Premier League squad for the remainder of the season.

The 24-year-old midfielder was set to join Championship outfit Blackburn on deadline day with a view to making the move permanent next summer should the Lancashire club achieve promotion.

But the switch was not processed before Tuesday’s 11pm deadline, forcing him to stay at the City Ground.

O'Brien, who only joined the Reds from Huddersfield last July, has lost his place in Steve Cooper's group following the arrival of free agent Andre Ayew.

Rovers are expected to appeal against the EFL's decision. But if that fails, O'Brien's only choice will be to join a club in a country where the transfer deadline has not yet passed.

Furness leaves Liverpool

Midfielder Rachel Furness has left Liverpool by mutual consent.

The Northern Ireland international, 34, scored 19 goals in 64 appearances for the Women's Super League side after joining from Reading in 2019.

Liverpool boss Matt Beard said: "It's always tough when you lose senior players. She's a fantastic person and has been a great servant for the football club and we're going to miss her.

"There were a lot of clubs who were interested. There was a role here for her but at the end of the day the opportunity arose for her to probably get regular football and I think she went down the path that was best for her."

Furness is widely reported to be on her way to Championship side Bristol City.