Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta wants to build around players such as Gabriel Martinelli after the forward signed a new deal at the club.
Martinelli agreed to a new long-term contract that will reportedly run until the end of the 2026-27 season.
The 21-year-old, who signed for Arsenal in July 2019, has started every Premier League game this season and scored seven times in the competition for the top-flight leaders, who head to struggling Everton on Saturday.
Bukayo Saka is another youngster thriving under Arteta, who sees plenty of scope for improvement as the Gunners aim to build a dynasty with such talents.
"It's great news. We want to build on all the talent that we have in the squad," he said in a press conference on Friday.
"It's great to see them happy and commit to the club. He's a player with enormous potential who has so much to improve.
"He can develop physically, mentally, defensively, the space he occupies, consistency."
Asked if Saka and William Saliba – who has been excellent in Arsenal's defence following loan spells at Marseille and Nice respectively – were close to signing fresh deals, Arteta added: "Part of the plan is to extend the contract of our biggest talents. We are trying to do that.
"The others will be done whenever we can. I see everybody really happy and willing to continue with the club."
Arsenal wanted to recruit two more highly rated youngsters in January but were unable to get deals for Mykhaylo Mudryk or Moises Caicedo over the line.
Mudryk joined London rivals Chelsea in a £89million (€100m) move, while Brighton and Hove Albion rebuffed two offers for Caicedo.
The Gunners did bring in Leandro Trossard, Jakub Kiwior and Jorginho, with the latter set to add vital experience in their bid to claim a first league title since 2004.
"We knew that in this market you have to adapt and be flexible and ready for inconvenience," Arteta said of Jorginho.
"We had a big one with [Mohamed Elneny's] injury and we needed a player in that position. [Jorginho] is a player that I've always admired. He's a great character who'll bring leadership and quality in that position and he's going to help us a lot."
Jorginho could make his debut against Everton, with Thomas Partey a doubt due to an injury he suffered in last week's FA Cup defeat to Manchester City.
"Let's see, that one is still a doubt," Arteta said. "Let's see how he comes in today and if he’s able to train or not. We will make a decision on that.
"He's not ruled out and it's nothing very significant, but it was significant enough to get him out of the game, which for Thomas is a bit unusual, but hopefully he'll be fine."
Arsenal have not won at Goodison Park since October 2017, when they beat the Toffees 5-2.
Saturday will be Sean Dyche's first game in charge of Everton, who sit 19th, level on 15 points with Southampton below them.
Dyche lost 10 Premier League games against Arsenal during his time in charge of Burnley, and should the Gunners win, they will become the first team in English league history to register 100 victories against a single opponent.
Football rumours: Arsenal keen on signing Alexander Isak and Michael Olise
The Guardian reports that Arsenal are considering bringing in a striker and winger this summer, with Newcastle forward Alexander Isak and Crystal Palace winger Michael Olise among their targets.
Germany boss Julian Nagelsmann has managerial options outside of Bayern Munich and will make a decision in the next week or so, his agent says via the Metro.
Ex-Liverpool and Everton boss Rafael Benitez will take over as manager at Sao Paulo, less than month after he was sacked by Celta Vigo, claims The Sun.
Chelsea are preparing for offers from Liverpool and Ligue 1 outfit Paris St Germain for England international defender Levi Colwill.
Social media round-upPlayers to watchBenjamin Sesko: Chelsea and Manchester United are monitoring the RB Leipzig forward, who has a 50 million euro (£42.8 million) release clause, says Ben Jacobs.
Serge Gnabry: Tottenham are interested in the former Arsenal forward, with Bayern Munich willing to sell the Germany international, reports Football Insider.
On this day in 2021: Spurs sack Jose Mourinho days before Carabao Cup final
Jose Mourinho was sacked as manager of Tottenham on this day in 2021, less than a week before he was due to lead them out for the Carabao Cup final.
Spurs’ Premier League form was what ultimately cost the Portuguese his job, with his last match in charge a 2-2 draw with Everton which left Tottenham seventh, five points off the Champions League places and with just one win from their last five league games.
Mourinho’s dismissal after just 17 months at the helm was announced hours after Tottenham had confirmed they intended to join a breakaway European Super League, plans that were swiftly aborted after fans’ backlash, although that was unrelated to the Portuguese’s axing.
The 58-year-old was denied the chance of delivering the club’s first piece of silverware in 13 years, with academy coach Ryan Mason put in caretaker charge as Tottenham lost 1-0 to Manchester City in the EFL Cup showpiece.
Spurs striker Harry Kane, whose form that season had been a bright spot with 47 goal contributions in 43 games, wrote on Twitter: “Thank you for everything Boss. A pleasure to have worked together. I wish you all the best for your next chapter.”
Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy spoke of his regret following Mourinho’s departure, having long coveted the former Chelsea and Real Madrid boss.
Levy said on the club’s official website: “Jose and his coaching staff have been with us through some of our most challenging times as a club.
“Jose is a true professional who showed enormous resilience during the (Covid-19) pandemic. On a personal level I have enjoyed working with him and regret that things have not worked out as we both had envisaged.
“He will always be welcome here and we should like to thank him and his coaching staff for their contribution.”
Mason remained steward until the end of the season before making way for Mourinho’s fellow Portuguese Nuno Espirito Santo, who had a disappointing four-month spell in charge
FC Halifax back in the play-off places after draw with Oldham
FC Halifax moved back into the play-off places in the National League as Adan George rescued a point in a 2-2 draw at home to Oldham.
The visitors took the lead in the 18th minute through Dan Gardner’s half-volley from a corner before Rob Harker levelled for the home side a minute into first-half stoppage time, smashing the ball home.
Oldham were awarded a penalty when Joe Garner was fouled in the box and Gardner restored Latics’ lead from the penalty spot in the 58th minute, but The Shaymen levelled again in the 72nd minute through substitute George’s smart finish from a narrow angle.
Halifax climb back into the play-off spots on goal difference where they are tied on 68 points with Aldershot, while Oldham remain 10th.
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