It’s the end of the working week, which means a weekend full of football action is right around the corner.

Arsenal are preparing for their trip to Everton on Saturday, where they will face a huge task to overcome the Toffees, despite their struggles. Goodison Park has been an unhappy hunting ground for the Gunners and with Sean Dyche taking charge of his first game as new manager, things could be even tougher on the route towards a title charge.

Elsewhere the transfer activity has come to a close for January, with three new players added to the squad, but that doesn’t mean activity halts there. Focus switches to the summer, with a host of players linked, while tying down the most crucial members of the squad remains a top priority.

With that said, keep the blog on lock as we bring you all the latest from the Emirates Stadium.

Mikel Arteta has explained the reasons behind Lokonga, Cedric and Marquinhos’ leaving the club on loan.

The trio were all allowed to leave temporary on deadline day after failing to feature much for the Gunners this season. Speaking prior to tomorrow’s game at Everton, he said: “Sambi needed time and games to develop the talent that he has and I think in Palace we’ve found the right club with the right coaching staff as well, so I believe that will work out.

“Marquinhos needed minutes, it’s going to be a really tough but really good test for him to play in the league in a great club.

“With Cedric he was demanding minutes and it was difficult to promise that to him. He’s a player we all loved, it was a difficult decision to let him go but I think we have to respect his will to play.”

Gabriel Martinelli has broken his silence after signing a new contract at Arsenal. The 21-year-old has penned a four-and-a-half-year deal with the Gunners, which keeps him at the club until 2027.

“I’m so proud to have signed another contract with The Arsenal family. From the moment I joined the staff, my teammates and the supporters have made me feel at home. I’m excited for what the future holds at this special club. COYG.”

Then, speaking to the club’s website, Martinelli said: “I feel amazing, I’m really happy in getting the new contract. I want to do my best for the team and for the fans as well, to give back to them and make them proud.

“I’ve said it many times, I love everything about Arsenal. I love the city, I love my teammates, I love the fans, I love the club and I’m going to try my best for this football club.”

Arsenal return to action tomorrow afternoon with a trip to Sean Dyche’s Everton.

Ahead of the game, Mikel Arteta will face the media for the first time after deadline day, with questions on Jorginho, Gabriel Martinelli and Gabriel Jesus all set to be imposed to the Gunners boss.

Follow the action, here.

Gabriel Martinelli has signed a new long-term contract with Arsenal the club has confirmed. The Brazilian’s deal had been due to expire in 2024, although Arsenal had the option to extend it by a further two years, and it will now run until 2027 with the option to extend by a further year as football.londonreported last week.

“It’s great that Gabi has signed a new contract with us,” said Edu. “The foundations of our squad continue to be built on young talent, so it’s great that Gabi has signed a new contract. Gabi is still just 21, and a player with big ability and personality. He is an important part of our future and we’re delighted that we have agreed a new contract.”

“We’re delighted Gabi has signed a new long-term contract,” added Mikel Arteta. “Our supporters see his quality and energy every single time he puts on the shirt and he’s the same every day in training, with his hard work and positive values. 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. 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.”

Arsenal are set to face a huge battle with Barcelona to rebuild their midfield for the future when it comes to the summer transfer window.

The summer may see the side move back into the market for another central player for the future.

One of those that was linked with filling that role was Real Sociedad’s Martin Zubimendi, who the Gunners showed interest in during January, but didn’t land. With a reported release clause at £52.8million, the north London outfit could return for the 24-year-old, but Edu may regret not signing him sooner.

That’s because Fabrizio Romano reports that Barcelona are also keen on a potential move in the summer, adding competition to signing him. As of now, the financial situation of the Blaugrana remains unclear, with some restraints over how much they may invest in transfers.

Arsenal have been tipped by former defender Mikael Silvestre to make a move for Moises Caicedo in the summer.

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The Gunners were unable to land the Ecuador international in January, having a bid knocked back by Brighton, eventually signing Jorginho from rivals Chelsea.

Arsenal have been handed a major injury boost as Reiss Nelson made his return to training on Thursday.

The academy graduate has struggled with a knock picked up against Juventus in a friendly as part of a return from the World Cup.

Hello and welcome to today’s Arsenal live blog on football.london. Here’s a look at the biggest stories ahead of the day.

Gabriel Martinelli has signed a new contract with Arsenal that will last until summer 2027, according to reports.

The Brazilian’s current deal runs until 2024 with the Gunners holding an option of an extra two-years, however a new contract reflects his importance to the squad.