Galatasaray bids €40 million for Arsenal’s Gabriel Martinelli as transfer talks heat up

Galatasaray has submitted an initial offer of approximately €40 million (£34 million) for Arsenal winger Gabriel Martinelli, with discussions between the two clubs ongoing. The Turkish Super Lig champions are treating the Brazilian as a primary alternative target after their efforts to land AC Milan’s Rafael Leão stalled.

Arsenal, however, isn’t in a rush to let Martinelli go. The club’s position is straightforward: no sale until a suitable replacement is identified and secured.

Why Galatasaray wants Martinelli

Galatasaray’s interest in Martinelli isn’t a random impulse buy. The club has been actively searching for a high-profile wide attacker, with Leão sitting at the top of their wishlist. When that deal proved difficult to close, the Turkish side pivoted to Martinelli, who represents a younger and potentially more attainable option.

The 25-year-old has made 191 appearances for Arsenal since arriving from Brazilian side Ituano in July 2019 for £6 million, recording 41 goals and 24 assists along the way.

Arsenal’s calculation

Martinelli is entering the final year of his contract, which creates a familiar pressure point. Keep him, risk losing him for free next summer. Sell him now, pocket a significant fee but lose squad depth at a position where manager Mikel Arteta still needs options.

The €40 million bid sits below Martinelli’s Transfermarkt valuation of €45 million. Arsenal’s front office reportedly views the offer as insufficient.

Martinelli lost his regular starting spot to Leandro Trossard during the previous season, a development that signaled his diminishing role in Arteta’s plans. Arteta is currently in the middle of a broader squad reshape, and any decision on Martinelli’s future would be contingent upon finding a suitable replacement first.

The contract leverage game

With just one year remaining on his deal, Martinelli holds significant leverage. He could run down his contract, leave on a free transfer next summer, and choose his destination without Arsenal seeing a penny.

The fact that Martinelli joined Arsenal for just £6 million back in 2019 means any fee in the €40–45 million range would represent a substantial return on investment.

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