‘Gabriel Martinelli would be brilliant Newcastle signing’ amid ‘surprise’ Arsenal claim
Gabriel Martinelli has been tipped to make the “brilliant” move to Newcastle amid speculation about his long-term future at Arsenal.
Eddie Howe’s side have been keen to sign a new winger to bolster their squad this summer, and Martinelli is seen as an option to take them “to the next level”.
Jacob Murphy has stepped up at times this season, but is not viewed as the long-term option, while Miguel Almrion’s January exit left them short of options.
This comes after Football Insider revealed last month that Newcastle want to sign a new winger as their number-one priority come the summer.
However, former England goalkeeper Paul Robinson has told Football Insider that any deal for Martinelli would be a difficult one for the Magpies to pull off this summer.
The 23-year-old is expected to remain as a key member of Mikel Arteta’s side given his importance – which has been displayed by his absence through injury in recent weeks.
Football Insider revealed on 21 February that Martinelli is expected to return for Arsenal in late March after he suffered a hamstring injury during their 2-0 defeat to Newcastle.
Newcastle eye Gabriel Martinelli deal after Arsenal latest
Newcastle are primarily looking to sign a right-winger this summer amid links to the likes of Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo and Bournemouth’s Antoine Semenyo.
However, they are also looking at players who can play on either side of the striker in a front three, and feel Martinelli would be capable of playing either role.
Speaking on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, Robinson explained that the winger’s work-rate and abilities would make him a good fit for Newcastle, but an exit from Arsenal would be surprising as things stand.
“They’re looking to strengthen in the wide areas,” he told Football Insider.
“They’ve got Jacob Murphy and Joe Willock has played there too, but if they want to make that next step, Martinelli is that type of player.
“I’d be surprised if Arsenal let him go because he’s been an integral part of their team.
“When Saka has not played, they’ve relied heavily on him.
“I know he’s had his critics at times, but he’s not a player Mikel Arteta is overly keen on letting him go.
“Newcastle would be a brilliant fit for him because of the way Eddie Howe plays.
“With Martinelli, you know what you’re going to get, he’s going to work both ways and work hard, he would fit in well to the system at Newcastle.
“I think it would be a difficult deal for Newcastle to do because Arsenal will want a lot of money for him.”
Eddie Howe targets Bryan Mbeumo signing
Martinelli has emerged as the latest option as Howe looks to strengthen his wide options in the summer transfer window, but there are a number of big names on their list.
Former Man United chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider in February that Newcastle want to sign Mbeumo from Brentford and are prepared to meet their asking price.
Brentford have set their asking price at £50million and are prepared to see their star man leave for that price which will allow them to reinvest and strengthen their starting XI.
Despite links with a move in January, Brown told Football Insider that Newcastle were prepared to wait until the summer before making a move, given their financial concerns.
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