‘Arsenal open to shock Gabriel Martinelli exit, asking price set’
Gabriel Martinelli could be set to leave Arsenal this summer, with the Gunners slapping a price tag on the winger to let interested teams know how much he will cost.
The 23-year-old moved to North London from Brazilian side Ituano in the summer of 2019, joining for a fee of around £6million.
During the 2022/23 campaign, the winger scored 15 goals and picked up five assists in the Premier League, as Arsenal were pipped to the title by Manchester City.
However, Martinelli has failed to reach those same heights again, and despite scoring eight goals in 32 appearances this season, has flattered to deceive.
Martinelli price tag set
Former Man United and Blackburn chief scout Mick Brown exclusively told Football Insider (13 May) that Arsenal are prepared to accept offers for Martinelli this summer.
Now, further news has come out about the Brazilian’s potential departure, with an indication of how much bidding clubs will have to pay to secure the attacker’s services.
The Athletic’s (22 May) James McNicholas has revealed that Arsenal value Martinelli at above £50m, and that a move could happen if an offer arrives that is attractive for the player.
McNicholas added that the group of elite clubs Martinelli is prepared to join is small, and a deal could be harder to come by due to the fact that he effectively has three years left on his contract at the Emirates.
No significant talks have been held about a new contract, with the forward’s current deal running out in 2027, and Arsenal having the option to extend for an extra year if they so wish.
Arsenal must be ruthless
There is no denying that Arteta has built a very good team at Arsenal, and the evidence is there with the Gunners reaching the Champions League semi-final, as well as finishing as Premier League runners-up for three consecutive seasons.
However, the jump from a very good team to a great team is sizeable, and to bridge this gap the North London side must be ruthless in their decision-making and transfer strategy.
Martinelli is a very good footballer, there is no doubt about that, but with Arsenal interested in Nico Williams from Athletic Bilbao, there is potentially better options out there.
| Games | Goals | Assists | Yellow Cards |
| 32 | 8 | 4 | 1 |
Bukayo Saka has 16 goal contributions from 24 league appearances, whereas Martinelli only has 12, from eight more games.
If Arteta wants to challenge for the Premier League title next year, then he needs both of his wingers to pop up with goals and assists, especially in the big games.