Arsenal star almost certain to leave if Vinicius Junior transfer completed - expert
Gabriel Martinelli is almost certain to leave Arsenal if Vinicius Junior were to arrive.
That is the opinion of former Aston Villa, Everton and Tottenham scout, Bryan King, speaking exclusively to Football Insider.
The 25-year-old has been linked with the exit door this summer but is reportedly happy in North London for now.
Martinelli has just one year remaining on his contract with Arsenal with the option of an additional year, with decision time on his future fast approaching.
Christos Tzolis has already arrived this summer and could soon be joined by Vinicius Jr, which would leave the Brazil international in a real struggle for minutes on the pitch.
Negotiations over a deal for Vinicius Jr are yet to start, with the Gunners patiently awaiting the outcome of new contract talks at Real Madrid.
Aston Villa could have had Gabriel Martinelli
Martinelli's Arsenal career has rather travelled in reverse so far, with the winger not quite able to reach the level he did when he was younger.
The Brazilian joined the Gunners when he was just 18, and his talent was immediately obvious.
The 2022-23 campaign would see him score 15 Premier League goals, a joint record for Brazilians at the time and a promise of an extremely bright future.
But Martinelli has slowed since then, with just one of his 11 goals last season coming in the league as he struggled for minutes amid the form of Leandro Trossard.
While Tzolis carries plenty of uncertainty around his adaptation to the Premier League and could leave the Brazilian with opportunities, the arrival of Vinicius Jr would surely force Martinelli into exit talks.
Speaking to Football Insider, King asked: "What would happen with the wide left player that they've got, Martinelli? Tricky.
"I just wonder what Arsenal would do with him [if Vinicius Jr arrives]. Because he's similar, he's got good pace.
"Well, I would definitely sooner have had him than [Alejandro] Garnacho [for Aston Villa], that is for sure."
Martinelli's Brazil display raises questions
Either way, Arsenal will likely be forced into making a decision on the future of Martinelli this summer.
The winger will need to sign a new contract if he is to stay put, with the Gunners hoping to avoid having to accept a reduced price next summer.
While Vinicius Jr's potential arrival would largely end his opportunities on the left, Martinelli has also shown that he can feature in a more central role.
The winger played as a striker on occasion in the early stages of his career, and featured as an attacking midfielder for Brazil at the World Cup.