In a move that could stun the Arsenal fanbase, the Gunners are reportedly ready to cash in on Gabriel Martinelli this summer. The 24-year-old Brazilian winger, once hailed as a future world-class talent alongside Bukayo Saka, has become the prime candidate to get the axe as Arsenal look to reshape their squad and fund incoming transfers.
Martinelli burst onto the scene with explosive pace and raw talent, forming a thrilling partnership with Saka on the flanks. Yet recent seasons have seen him stagnate. Despite his undeniable natural ability and blistering speed – assets that still make him a constant threat – the winger has been wasteful in the final third. This campaign he has managed just one Premier League goal, highlighting a clear disconnect between potential and output.
Arsenal’s squad is now stacked with elite options across the board, leaving little room for Martinelli to develop or reclaim his starting role. The left-wing department, in particular, has been earmarked for improvement. With better players believed to be available than both Martinelli and Leandro Trossard, the club appears ready to act decisively.
Following significant investment in recent windows, the Gunners must sell before they can buy again this summer – and Football Insider claims Martinelli is the reluctant choice for the exit door. Arsenal are said to have a new addition already lined up for the left flank, making a winger signing one of their top priorities.
The situation escalated last week when it was revealed that four clubs are already plotting moves for the £50m-rated attacker, with Arsenal reportedly intending to “sacrifice” him to raise vital funds. Spanish giants Atletico Madrid have emerged as a serious contender, reportedly planning a double raid on the Emirates that would also target another Arsenal attacker.
Speculation over a replacement has already begun. Newcastle United’s Anthony Gordon has been strongly linked, with former Arsenal winger Anders Limpar singling him out as an ideal fit. Speaking to Bettingsidor.se, Limpar said:
“Personally, I think Arteta told Trossard that he wanted him to sign a new contract, but that it wasn’t the plan that he should play. Martinelli was on the way to Saudi Arabia and then Arsenal signed Eze. He was the main target because Arteta wasn’t happy with Trossard or Martinelli.
“He bought Eze to be in that spot, but if we were to speak about Anthony Gordon for that left wing spot, Gordon is one of the best players in the Premier League with his pace and everything, and he is already playing for England. But you will have to pay £60 million for him and I don’t know if Arsenal have that kind of money.
“But Gordon is a personal favorite of mine and it is a shame he left Everton, but he has done wonderful at Newcastle.”
The potential departure of Martinelli would mark the end of an era for a player who once embodied Arsenal’s exciting, youthful project. While his exit would generate the funds needed for squad evolution, it would also leave many supporters questioning whether the club is prematurely discarding a talent who still possesses the raw tools to succeed at the highest level.
With five players – including Martinelli, Martin Ødegaard and Ben White – previously identified as most at risk of leaving, the summer window is shaping up to be one of the most transformative in recent Arsenal history. Whether the Gunners pull the trigger on their £50m star remains to be seen, but the message from the board is clear: sell to buy, and the prime candidate to get the axe may already have his bags packed.