Arsenal have received an approach for Gabriel Martinelli after completing a £75m deal for Bruno Guimaraes. The Premier League champions have been in negotiations for weeks and finally agreed a big-money move to sign the Brazilian from Newcastle United.
Guimaraes bolsters an Arsenal midfield that already includes Declan Rice, Martin Odegaard, Martin Zubimendi, Mikel Merino, Eberechi Eze and Myles Lewis-Skelly. Arsenal have also strengthened Mikel Arteta's options on the wing by signing Christos Tzolis in a £34m deal from Club Brugge.
Martinelli's future in doubt
Arteta sanctioned the move for the Greek international after allowing Leandro Trossard to leave in a £15m move to Besiktas. Trossard is not the only Arsenal winger linked with a move away, with Martinelli also a possible departure.
Martinelli is Arsenal's longest-serving player, having made his Gunners debut back in 2019 at the age of 18. The Brazilian has been a mainstay since then, making 278 appearances in all competitions. However, he struggled to make an impact last season, scoring only one goal in 30 Premier League games, and is expected to be behind new signing Tzolis in the pecking order.
Galatasaray approach
There remains a possibility that Arsenal will sell Martinelli, and they have received a tempting transfer approach from Galatasaray, according to Football London. Turkish clubs have already made waves in the summer window, with Trabzonspor securing a stunning deal for Liverpool legend Mohamed Salah. As mentioned, Besiktas have signed Trossard, and Fenerbahce have held talks to sign England star Marcus Rashford from Manchester United.
Arsenal are reluctant to entertain interest in Martinelli after they fell short in their bid to sign Real Madrid icon Vinicius Junior. However, they are already looking at alternative targets and could allow Martinelli to leave if they bring in another winger. For his part, Martinelli is believed to be settled in north London but aware his game-time could suffer if Arteta brings in a new winger.
Alan Smith's view
Former Arsenal striker Alan Smith understands why Arteta may consider selling Martinelli but disagreed with Trossard's exit. 'The only one from that list I wouldn’t want to see go is Leandro Trossard,' Smith told Metro on behalf of BestBettingSites. 'I think he had a great season. He can score important goals and he’s a very clever player, versatile as well. He’s mainly played on the left, but he can come inside. He’s a big fan favourite as well.'
'Looking at Gabriel Martinelli, it’s been a frustrating few years for him. Ben White, yeah, again, I’m sure there’s defenders coming to the club so he might feel like it’s time to go. I can see Gabriel Jesus going as well, certainly if Arsenal buy another striker which it looks like they’re trying to do. I think he would be the first one that they would try and offload. But Leandro Trossard, for me, is one you wouldn’t want to let go.'
Martinelli's countryman Jesus was linked with a return to Brazil earlier in the summer and has recently emerged as a target for Napoli. Arsenal face Manchester City in the Community Shield next weekend before their Premier League opener against newly-promoted Coventry City.
