Gabriel Martinelli was linked with a move away from Arsenal during the summer of 2025; however, the Brazilian made it clear that it wasn’t the right time.
It’s a huge season for the 24-year-old, who is aiming to return to the Brazilian national team ahead of the World Cup, and he wasn’t keen on a change of scenery last summer.
Fill in the blank: Gabriel Martinelli is worth £__m to Arsenal…
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Bayern Munich were keen on Martinelli, and there was also interest from the Saudi Pro League, but the Gunners and the winger opted to reject any advances.
Martinelli has been a useful asset for Mikel Arteta this season, with the attacker competing with Eberechi Eze and Leandro Trossard for the left wing.
Gabriel Martinelli rejected Arsenal exit last summer
Gabriel Martinelli was conscious of it being a World Cup year and subsequently rejected the chance to leave Arsenal, according to James Benge.
Martinelli is Arsenal’s top scorer in the Champions League this season, becoming the first player from the North London club to score in five consecutive matches in the competition.
Arsenal now have arguably the strongest squad in Europe, and Arteta’s options on either flank are looking incredibly impressive this season.
Speaking about Martinelli’s future, Benge told Inside Arsenal: “I definitely got the sense from doing some reporting in the last summer transfer window that he was very conscious of, it may not be the wisest when he’s got his eye on getting in that Brazil squad and proving his worth at the World Cup, that it might not have been the right time to move in 2025.
Which left winger would you most like to see Andrea Berta prioritise in 2026?
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Next summer, after the World Cup, things could quickly change, and the 24-year-old may well be more receptive to leaving the Emirates Stadium.
Andrea Berta wants to sign another attacker in 2026, which could mean that Martinelli’s game time becomes even less.
“Maybe once you’ve been through the World Cup cycle, maybe you’ll have a great World Cup and also in some teams like, you know, a Bayern or not many, but teams like a Bayern might, you know, pick up the phone and ask about Martinelli,” added Benge.
Bradley Barcola and Kenan Yildiz could be key Arsenal targets
Kenan Yildiz and Bradley Barcola appear to be two of the leading contenders on Arsenal’s list for the left wing.
Barcola could be made available next summer, with the French winger reportedly unhappy with his situation at PSG.
However, Yildiz is close to signing a new Juventus contract, which would seemingly rule out a move from Andrea Berta.
Yan Diomande could be another Arsenal target, as the Ivorian international continues his impressive form into AFCON.
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