Arsenal Forward Gabriel Martinelli Signs Contract Extension

Arsenal's Gabriel Martinelli kicks the ball during the English Premier League match between Arsenal and Manchester United at Emirates stadium in London, Sunday, Jan. 22, 2023. (AP)
Arsenal's Gabriel Martinelli kicks the ball during the English Premier League match between Arsenal and Manchester United at Emirates stadium in London, Sunday, Jan. 22, 2023. (AP)
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Arsenal Forward Gabriel Martinelli Signs Contract Extension

Arsenal's Gabriel Martinelli kicks the ball during the English Premier League match between Arsenal and Manchester United at Emirates stadium in London, Sunday, Jan. 22, 2023. (AP)
Arsenal's Gabriel Martinelli kicks the ball during the English Premier League match between Arsenal and Manchester United at Emirates stadium in London, Sunday, Jan. 22, 2023. (AP)

Arsenal forward Gabriel Martinelli has signed a “long-term” contract extension, the Premier League leaders said Friday.

The 21-year-old Brazil international has scored seven goals this season to boost Arsenal's title bid in his fourth season in north London.

The club did not specify the length of the deal but manager Mikel Arteta called it “a new long-term contract.”

“Gabi is still very young, so we know there's still much more to come from him and it's great that we'll be on this journey together,” Arteta said in the club's announcement.

Martinelli was not quoted in the announcement.

The forward has started all 19 league games this season. He has made 111 appearances in his Arsenal career since signing from Sao Paulo club Ituano in July 2019.



Belgian Grand Prix Gets Contract Extension but Set to Be Dropped from Schedule in 2028 and 2030

Ferrari driver Sebastian Vettel of Germany steers his car during the second free practice at the Spa-Francorchamps circuit, Belgium, on Aug. 21, 2015. (AP)
Ferrari driver Sebastian Vettel of Germany steers his car during the second free practice at the Spa-Francorchamps circuit, Belgium, on Aug. 21, 2015. (AP)
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Belgian Grand Prix Gets Contract Extension but Set to Be Dropped from Schedule in 2028 and 2030

Ferrari driver Sebastian Vettel of Germany steers his car during the second free practice at the Spa-Francorchamps circuit, Belgium, on Aug. 21, 2015. (AP)
Ferrari driver Sebastian Vettel of Germany steers his car during the second free practice at the Spa-Francorchamps circuit, Belgium, on Aug. 21, 2015. (AP)

Formula 1 has extended its contract with the Belgian Grand Prix, but one of the sport's most established races is set to be dropped from the schedule in 2028 and 2030.

The extension starting from next year includes races only in 2026, 2027, 2029 and 2031, F1 said Wednesday.

F1’s push in recent years to expand the schedule with more races in the United States and Asia has meant more competition for traditional venues in Europe seeking to keep their places on the calendar.

The Spa-Francorchamps circuit, a favorite with many drivers for its flowing high-speed layout through forested hills, was on the F1 schedule for the first championship season in 1950 and has been on the calendar every year since 2007.

"The Belgian Grand Prix was one of the races that made up our maiden Championship in 1950, so as we kick off our 75th anniversary year it is fitting that we can share the news of this important extension," F1 president and chief executive Stefano Domenicali said in a statement.

"Spa-Francorchamps is rightly lauded by drivers and fans alike as one of the finest racetracks in the world and it has played host to some incredible moments over its many seasons in Formula 1."

This year's Belgian Grand Prix race weekend is from July 25 through 27, including a sprint race.