Arsenal’s high-flying winger Gabriel Martinelli could be facing an unexpected exit this summer, as whispers of a potential trade gain momentum. The Brazilian star, once hailed as a cornerstone of Mikel Arteta’s project, now finds his future in North London under scrutiny. With the Gunners scrambling to fund a marquee striker signing amid Financial Fair Play constraints, Martinelli’s name has surfaced as a surprise candidate to generate funds. But Arsenal aren’t willing to part ways easily—any deal must meet strict financial demands. What are the conditions, and could this gamble backfire?
Arsenal’s stance on Martinelli’s future
Gabriel Martinelli’s status at Arsenal has shifted subtly this season. Once viewed as untouchable, the 23-year-old is no longer immune to transfer speculation. According to The Athletic, the club would entertain offers for the Brazilian—but only if they “significantly exceed his market value.” This calculated stance reflects Arsenal’s delicate balancing act: raising funds for a world-class striker while retaining enough firepower to sustain their title ambitions.
Martinelli’s contract, which runs until 2027 (with an option for an extra year), gives Arsenal leverage in negotiations. However, his dip in form has raised eyebrows. After netting a career-best 15 Premier League goals in 2022/23, the winger has managed just seven goals and four assists across 35 appearances this term. Comparatively, Liverpool’s Cody Gakpo boasts 16 goals and five assists in fewer minutes, highlighting the gap in output.
Leandro Trossard, another candidate for sale, has mirrored Martinelli’s struggles, tallying five goals and seven assists. Meanwhile, Bukayo Saka’s pre-injury dominance (9 goals, 13 assists in 24 games) and teenage prodigy Ethan Nwaneri’s rise (7 goals in 948 minutes) have inadvertently cast a shadow over Gabriel Martinelli’s contributions.
Financial realities and Fan Frustrations
Arsenal’s urgency for a clinical No. 9 is undeniable. With Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus sidelined, the Gunners’ attack has sputtered, failing to score in back-to-back league games. Yet Premier League profit and sustainability rules mean Arteta must sell before he can buy big. Martinelli, despite his cult-hero status, represents a lucrative asset in this equation.
However, the gamble is twofold. Offloading a dynamic winger risks alienating fans and weakening squad depth, especially with Champions League demands looming. Conversely, securing a fee “in excess of his market value” could bankroll a transformative signing—a striker capable of bridging the gap between Arsenal and champions-elect Liverpool.
What’s next for Gabriel Martinelli?
For now, Arsenal aren’t actively shopping their Brazilian flyer. But the numbers don’t lie: Martinelli’s stagnation has coincided with the team’s late-season stumble. If a suitor meets the club’s valuation—reportedly north of £60m—Arteta may reluctantly cash in to fuel his rebuild.
The coming weeks will test Arsenal’s resolve. Will they bet on Gabriel Martinelli rediscovering his spark, or prioritize immediate reinforcements? One thing’s certain: in the ruthless pursuit of Premier League glory, sentimentality takes a back seat to strategy.
