Gabriel Martinelli and Gabriel Magalhaes are back. After weeks of post-World Cup rest, Arsenal’s Brazilian pair have joined the pre-season camp in Girona, Spain. But while one return feels routine, the other carries far more intrigue.
Arsenal confirmed on Wednesday that both players caught up with the squad at the Girona training base. The timing matters. Saturday’s friendly against Girona is fast approaching, and Mikel Arteta needs bodies.
From World Cup Heartbreak to Pre-Season Workouts
Brazil’s tournament ended on July 5 when Erling Haaland’s brace sent Norway through in the Round of 16. It was a bitter exit for the five-time champions — their earliest World Cup departure since 1990.
Martinelli, though, didn’t leave empty-handed from a personal perspective. He scored in Brazil’s Round of 32 victory over Japan, reminding everyone what he can do on the biggest stage.
Both players were entitled to a minimum three-week break following elimination. When Arsenal flew to Spain last Sunday, the full 21 days hadn’t quite passed. Matt Verri reported for The Standard that the club decided neither player needed to rush back for the flight.
That proved to be the right call. They’ve now joined teammates with time to spare before the first public pre-season friendly.
Don’t expect them to play much on Saturday, though. Their fitness will be assessed first, and a significant role against Girona looks unlikely.
Plenty of Time Before the Real Action Begins
Here’s the good news for Arsenal fans. The calendar is on their side.
The Community Shield against Manchester City at Cardiff’s Principality Stadium isn’t until August 16. The Premier League opener against Coventry City follows on August 21. That’s more than three weeks of preparation ahead.
Arsenal’s pre-season schedule after Girona includes:
- Real Betis in Dublin on August 5
- Borussia Dortmund at the Emirates Cup
- Como at the Emirates Stadium
So there’s no reason to panic. Both Gabriels have ample runway to get match-sharp alongside teammates who’ve already been at it for weeks — including summer signings Viktor Gyokeres, Illan Meslier, Christos Tzolis, and Piero Hincapie.
The Bigger Question: What’s Next for Martinelli?
This is where it gets complicated. While Martinelli’s return to training looks straightforward, his long-term future at Arsenal isn’t quite so clear.
BBC Sport’s Sami Mokbel reported that Martinelli remains happy at the club and won’t push for an exit. He’ll only consider leaving for the right opportunity.
But Arsenal? They’re reportedly open to offers. With up to two years left on his contract, the club sees a window to cash in — especially with their pursuit of Real Madrid’s Vinicius Junior heating up. Both players share the same agency, Roc Nation, which adds another layer of complexity.
Bayern Munich, Manchester United, and Newcastle have all been linked. The rumoured price tag sits somewhere between £42 million and £50 million. That’s not pocket change, even in today’s market.
So what happens if Vinicius arrives? Does Martinelli fight for his spot, or does a move suddenly make sense for everyone?
For now, he’s training in the Spanish sunshine with his teammates. And in pre-season, that’s all that really matters.
The Bottom Line
Arsenal’s World Cup contingent is gradually coming together in Girona. Gabriel and Martinelli’s return is a welcome boost, even if their involvement on Saturday stays limited. The real questions — about fitness, form, and Martinelli’s future — will answer themselves in the weeks ahead. With the Community Shield and Premier League both looming, Arteta can’t afford to wait long.
