Gabriel Martinelli 'problem' emerges - this is what Arsenal will do

Gabriel Martinelli's lack of desire to move to Turkey has left Arsenal in a difficult position during the summer transfer window.

That is according to former Manchester City financial adviser Stefan Borson, who exclusively told Football Insider that the Gunners may bite the bullet and keep the Brazilian on the books.

Upon returning from the 2026 World Cup, Mikel Arteta's side received a €45million (£38.4m) bid for the 25-year-old, but the player has decided against the move.

However, after signing Christos Tzolis and a failed bid for Vinicius Junior, it is understood that the Gunners are open to cashing in this summer.

Martinelli notched 11 goals and seven assists across all competitions in 2025-26, but he started just 11 games in the Premier League last term.

Current signs point towards a departure for the Brazilian international, but Arsenal may have no choice but to keep him on the books, at least until January.

Gabriel Martinelli to stay - 'We'll just keep him'

Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, Borson believes that the Gunners have an issue in finding a "new home" for the exit-linked player.

"You do have to make a decision as to whether a fringe player has got a future at the club and if you take an offer," he said.

"This is just the problem. If you've got a player, even where he's 25, Brazilian, international, it's just a problem finding a home for them if you don't want them.

"And it gets to the point also where you just say, 'For the sake of £40m and whatever the wages are, we'll just keep him'.

"They can see, maybe he can have a great season, maybe somebody gets injured, maybe he plays many more games than he's expected to."

What's Martinelli's contract situation at Arsenal?

Signed from Ituano FC in the summer of 2019, Martinelli is now approaching his eighth campaign in North London.

He has racked up 278 appearances for the Gunners, scoring 62 goals in that time, but his future remains uncertain.

Having signed a long-term contract in 2023, Martinelli's current contract expires next summer, with the Gunners holding the option of a one-year extension.

Given that Arsenal could get a decent fee for the player, it would be a surprise were the club not to take up that option, even if he leaves straight after.