In what could become one of the biggest transfer twists of the summer, Arsenal are reportedly ready to cash in on Brazilian forward Gabriel Martinelli for a fee in excess of £70 million, following a decisive call from manager Mikel Arteta. The news has sent shockwaves through the club’s fanbase, sparking heated debate about the wisdom of letting one of their most dynamic attacking talents leave the Emirates Stadium at a pivotal moment in the club’s rebuild.
Martinelli, 23, has grown into a fan favourite since arriving from Brazilian side Ituano in 2019 for just £6 million — a bargain deal that showcased Arsenal’s scouting network at its sharpest. Over the past five seasons, the Brazilian has developed from an unknown teenager with raw potential into one of the Premier League’s most electric wingers, admired for his fearless dribbling, relentless pressing, and eye for goal.
However, despite Martinelli’s clear talent, the last campaign raised questions about his consistency and fit within Arteta’s evolving tactical plans. Injuries and fluctuating form limited his impact in key moments, and with Arsenal narrowly missing out on the Premier League title again, it appears Arteta and sporting director Edu Gaspar believe this summer may be the right time to cash in.
Why sell now?
The rationale behind the decision is twofold. Firstly, Arsenal need to balance their books to comply with the Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR). While the club’s finances have been buoyed by successive Champions League qualifications and strong commercial deals, Arteta is determined to refresh his squad — and that requires funds.
Secondly, sources close to the club suggest Arteta wants to reshape the forward line to introduce a more clinical, positionally versatile option on the left flank. With Bukayo Saka untouchable on the right, the Gunners are believed to be targeting a left winger who can double as a false nine — a tactical tweak Arteta has long been exploring. In that light, selling Martinelli at the peak of his market value makes strategic sense.
Potential suitors
Reports indicate that top European sides are circling. Paris Saint-Germain are known admirers and could see Martinelli as a natural successor to Kylian Mbappé, who finally completed his long-anticipated move to Real Madrid. In Italy, Juventus and AC Milan are both monitoring the situation closely, drawn by Martinelli’s age and high ceiling. In the Premier League, though less likely due to rivalry factors, clubs like Manchester City and Chelsea have historically held an interest, though Arsenal would strongly prefer an overseas sale.
A £70m+ fee would represent a huge profit and could fund a significant portion of Arsenal’s incoming business. The Gunners are reportedly prioritising a new striker — with names like Victor Osimhen and Viktor Gyökeres on their shortlist — as well as a more robust midfielder to complement Declan Rice.
A risk worth taking?
For many Arsenal fans, the idea of losing Martinelli stings. His energy and directness have become emblematic of Arteta’s pressing style. Yet, some argue that while Martinelli’s work rate is undeniable, his end product has at times lacked the consistency needed to lift Arsenal to the next level.
In the 2023/24 season, Martinelli scored just 8 goals and provided 5 assists in the league — decent numbers but not exceptional for a forward in a title-challenging side. With Leandro Trossard proving a reliable rotational option and emerging talent like Reiss Nelson and Ethan Nwaneri pushing for chances, Arteta may feel the squad can absorb the loss if the right reinforcements arrive.
Arteta’s call
This decision underlines how much power Mikel Arteta now wields at Arsenal. Since taking the managerial reins in 2019, the Spaniard has overseen a sweeping cultural and tactical overhaul. Big names like Mesut Özil and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang were moved on when they no longer fit the vision. This latest call suggests that sentimentality will not cloud Arteta’s judgement as he aims to build a squad capable of toppling Manchester City’s domestic dominance.
What happens next
For now, the club is expected to wait for formal bids before greenlighting the sale. Arsenal’s hierarchy know that Martinelli’s value is high this summer, but it could dip if injuries persist or if he remains a rotational player next season. With Financial Fair Play and an ambitious transfer list driving their strategy, the Gunners seem prepared to act decisively.
Whether this gamble pays off will depend on who they bring in to replace Martinelli’s pace and spark. For the fans, it’s another reminder that in modern football, no player — no matter how beloved — is truly unsellable if the price and timing are right.
One thing is clear: the next few weeks will define Arsenal’s trajectory for years to come.
