Credit: Imago
Credit: Imago
Match

Arsenal to finally cash in on Gabriel Martinelli as transfer race heats up ahead of January

Harri Burton
Harri Burton

Senior Correspondent AUTHORITY Senior football journalist specialising in refereeing and officiating; former contributor to The Football League Paper, Late Tackle, and the Premier League; University of Derby graduate. FOCUS Refereeing controversies, football finance and governance, PGMOL decisions, and officiating analysis across the Premier League, EFL, and SPFL. THE INSIGHT Harri utilises a network of officiating and industry contacts to deliver verified, expert analysis of refereeing decisions and PGMOL policy. He provides the regulatory clarity behind the controversy to ensure fans get the full picture.

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Gabriel Martinelli may soon have played his final game in an Arsenal shirt as Mikel Arteta gears up for the January transfer window.

Andrea Berta is now in charge of transfers at the Emirates Stadium, having previously helped Atletico Madrid to sign the likes of Julian Alvarez, Antoine Griezmann, and Jan Oblak.

While Viktor Gyokeres has yet to impress for Arsenal, the sporting director's impact has already been greatly felt in North London, and that could be about to continue.

Supporters will not be expecting a busy transfer window next month, but if the Gunners are to secure the Premier League title, one or two signings might be crucial in the second half of the season.

Gabriel Martinelli is fighting against injuries this season

Arsenal narrowly beat Wolves 2-1 recently, highlighting some of their biggest weaknesses within the squad, and it is highly likely that Arteta would want to address those, especially in the final third.

Although Martinelli has popped up with some key moments this term, notching six goals and one assist in 18 games, he has very rarely been in the starting lineup, with injuries proving a problem.

The Brazilian had been heavily linked with an exit during the summer months, and those rumours could crop up again as Arteta looks to strengthen on that side of the front three.

Antoine Semenyo in action for Bournemouth
Antoine Semenyo is attracting a lot of attention at Bournemouth. (Credit: Imago)

A massive transfer race appears to be brewing as Antoine Semenyo continues to thrive at Bournemouth, with the player's release clause currently set at £65million.

Antoine Semenyo could end Martinelli's Arsenal career

And according to talkSPORT (16 December), while Arsenal are in the race for Semenyo's signature, a move would only likely be made if any of their current players are moved on.

Given Martinelli's recent links with a departure, mixed with his frustrating injury setbacks this season, it could make a lot of sense for the club to cash in and move for the winger at the Vitality Stadium.

Semenyo already has 10 goal contributions for the Cherries this term, having notched 13 goals and six assists last season, and it would be incredible to see him thrive at a "big-six" club.

It is understood that the left-wing spot needs to be improved on at the Emirates, so the Gunners may have to act sooner than anticipated if they are to secure their favourite target.

Arsenal
Gabriel Martinelli
Antoine Semenyo
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