Arsenal may be forced to part ways with Gabriel Martinelli this summer, as the Brazilian forward is reportedly open to exploring a move abroad. The Times reports that Martinelli is keen to leave the Emirates Stadium amid speculation that Mikel Arteta is targeting a new left winger.
Martinelli's Stance Emerges
Arteta has identified the left wing position as the area requiring the most urgent attention in the transfer window, believing neither Martinelli nor Leandro Trossard possess the world-class quality needed to elevate the team. Martinelli, 25, has one year remaining on his contract, with an option to extend by an additional season. He was previously linked with Bayern Munich before they signed Luis Diaz last summer.
Having spent seven seasons at Arsenal, Martinelli has scored 62 goals in 278 appearances. Due to his age and potential, he could command a higher transfer fee than Trossard, making him the more likely candidate to be sold.
Real Madrid Plot Hijack
Real Madrid, under new manager Jose Mourinho, are reportedly looking to hijack the permanent transfer of Piero Hincapie to Arsenal. According to ESPN, Real Madrid have made an inquiry for the Ecuadorian defender, who joined Arsenal on a season-long loan from Bayer Leverkusen last summer with an obligation to buy for £45 million.
Hincapie, 24, fits Real Madrid's need for a left-footed centre-back who can also play as a left-back, a profile sought after despite the recent signing of Marc Cucurella. Although the permanent transfer to Arsenal is yet to be officially confirmed, it is widely expected that Hincapie will complete the move after the World Cup.
In his first season in England, Hincapie became Arteta's first-choice left-back, featuring 25 times in Arsenal's Premier League title-winning campaign and making 14 additional appearances in cup competitions.
Arsenal's Summer Plans
Arsenal are expected to match last year's club-record £250 million spending spree this summer, but sporting director Andrea Berta must also offload players to fund new signings. The club aims to sign three to five higher-quality players to address squad deficiencies exposed in the Champions League final defeat to Paris Saint-Germain.
Josh Kroenke has stated that the club cannot be satisfied with winning the Premier League this season, indicating a continued commitment to heavy investment. However, with Real Madrid's interest in Hincapie and Martinelli's uncertain future, Arsenal may face a challenging transfer window.
