Report: Arsenal consider shock summer sale if the price is right | OneFootball

Arsenal Open to Selling Gabriel Martinelli – But Only at the Right Price

Arsenal’s Transfer Strategy Evolves

Arsenal’s stance on Gabriel Martinelli has taken a significant turn, with the club reportedly open to selling the Brazilian should a bid arrive that exceeds his market value. According to The Athletic, the Gunners are not actively looking to offload the 23-year-old, but his untouchable status within Mikel Arteta’s squad appears to have softened.

Since arriving at the Emirates in 2019, Martinelli has been an integral figure in Arsenal’s attacking setup. His electric pace, direct dribbling, and ability to finish from wide positions made him a key asset, particularly during the 2022-23 season when he recorded 15 goals and five assists in the Premier League.

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However, as Arsenal continue their evolution under Arteta, the Brazilian’s influence has waned. Injuries have disrupted his momentum, while Leandro Trossard’s consistency and the club’s apparent interest in recruiting a new winger this summer could limit his opportunities further.

Arsenal’s Valuation and Saudi Interest

Martinelli is under contract at Arsenal until 2027, and with previous valuations placing him at around £70 million, any departure would require a significant bid. Saudi Arabian clubs are closely monitoring his situation, armed with the financial clout to exceed Arsenal’s asking price.

Despite the speculation, Martinelli himself would need convincing to leave European football at such a crucial stage in his career. The pull of top-level competition, particularly with Arsenal competing in the Champions League, remains strong.

Arteta’s Stance on Martinelli

Despite his reduced influence this season, Arteta remains a strong admirer of the Brazilian. Speaking after Arsenal’s victory over Manchester City in October 2023, the Spaniard described Martinelli as “incredible.”

“He plays with such intensity and purpose,” Arteta said at the time. “He makes things happen for us in crucial moments.”

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However, the reality of modern football means financial pragmatism often outweighs sentimentality. If a major bid arrives, Arsenal’s hierarchy may see this as an opportunity to reinvest in a squad that still requires fine-tuning in key areas.

What This Means for Arsenal’s Summer Plans

Should Martinelli depart, Arsenal will almost certainly be in the market for a replacement. The club is already eyeing wingers who can deliver higher goal contributions, with links to multiple high-profile names surfacing in recent weeks.

A sale would not be driven by a lack of faith in Martinelli, but rather a reflection of Arsenal’s ambitions to remain competitive in both the Premier League and Europe. With the financial power of Saudi clubs looming in the background, the coming months could prove decisive in shaping the next phase of Arteta’s project.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

Gabriel Martinelli, once deemed an indispensable part of Arteta’s long-term vision, is now seemingly available for the right price. The idea of selling such a talented forward, especially at just 23 years old, feels like a significant gamble.

Firstly, Martinelli embodies everything this Arsenal team is about—high-intensity pressing, relentless work rate, and attacking flair. Even during a season where injuries have hampered his form, his importance to Arteta’s system cannot be understated. To consider offloading him now, especially with the team challenging for major honours, raises serious questions.

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Secondly, the potential destination of Saudi Arabia feels even more unsettling. While the financial package would undoubtedly be lucrative, it’s hard to believe that a player of Martinelli’s calibre would be content swapping Champions League nights at the Emirates for the Saudi Pro League.

Moreover, if Arsenal truly want to compete with Manchester City and Liverpool, shouldn’t they be adding quality rather than selling key players? Trossard has been an excellent addition, but Martinelli provides a unique attacking threat that cannot be easily replaced.

Of course, football is a business, and if a ludicrous offer materialises, the club will have a decision to make. But selling Martinelli—especially to fund other transfers—feels like a step backwards rather than forward.

One thing is for certain: if Arsenal do part ways with Martinelli, it will only be because the offer is too good to refuse. But is the potential short-term financial gain worth the long-term risk of losing such a talented young player? Many Arsenal fans will hope that the answer is a resounding no.