Gabriel Martinelli will fear for his Arsenal future as Mikel Arteta 'identifies' replacement
Gabriel Martinelli should be fearing for his Arsenal future as Mikel Arteta is targeting PSG winger Bradley Barcola.
Fabrizio Romano reported that Arsenal were “keen” to land the 23-year-old, with an expectation that he could leave the French side this summer.
Barcola came on as a late substitute during PSG’s penalty shoot-out win over Arsenal in the Champions League, and his short cameo showed Arteta what he could bring to his side.
The Gunners are in need of a new left-winger, and Martinelli now looks surplus to requirements at Arsenal.
Arteta needs to sell a first team star this summer if he is to spend big again in the transfer market, and Martinelli looks to be the most obvious option.
Gabriel Martinelli falling down the pecking order at Arsenal
Martinelli was also only a late substitute in the Champions League final, and had been left on the bench for two of Arsenal’s last five Premier League fixtures.
Leandro Trossard seemed to nail down the position down the left flank towards the end of the season, and the Belgian rewarded Arteta with a goal and two assists in five games.
The 31-year-old, whose contract expires next summer, will have little re-sale value compared to Martinelli.
The 24-year-old was held in high regard when he first came to Arsenal in 2019, but he only netted one goal in the Premier League this season, and Arteta should be looking to cash in on him this summer with only a year left on his contract.
Arsenal continuing to evolve under Mikel Arteta
Martinelli is not expected to be the only Arsenal star leaving the club this summer, with the future of Gabriel Jesus also uncertain.
Sources have told Football Insider that Everton are interested in Jesus, although they may only make a move if Arsenal lower their £20million valuation.
The 29-year-old arrived in north London as one of Arteta’s first marquee signings from Manchester City, but injuries have disrupted his spell at the club.
The sale of Jesus, and Martinelli, points to Arteta once again developing his squad to ensure they compete for trophies again next season.