Just when you thought Arsenal’s summer couldn’t get any more complicated, here’s a new twist. Gabriel Martinelli has reportedly landed on Galatasaray’s transfer shortlist, and the timing couldn’t be worse for the Gunners.
Italian transfer specialist Gianluca Di Marzio broke the news on August 6, revealing that the Turkish champions have identified Martinelli as a viable alternative to their primary target, AC Milan’s Rafael Leao. It’s not an outright pursuit yet. But it’s a name on a list — and in this window, lists turn into bids quickly.
Why Galatasaray Are Looking at Martinelli
Galatasaray aren’t messing around this summer. They’ve been chasing Leao for weeks, even submitting an official €35 million bid that AC Milan promptly rejected. The Rossoneri want closer to €50 million for the Portuguese winger. That gap hasn’t closed.
According to Di Marzio, Martinelli is a player Galatasaray “like” as an option if the Leao saga falls apart. And there are reasons to think it might. Milan want a permanent deal. Galatasaray initially proposed a loan with an option to buy. The structure doesn’t match.
So where does that leave Martinelli? Right in the middle of a tricky situation.
Here’s what makes this interesting:
- Martinelli’s contract runs until June 2027, with an option for a one-year extension
- His estimated market value sits between €40 million and €49 million
- Arsenal reportedly haven’t ruled out selling if the right offer comes in
The Brazilian’s 2025-26 campaign told two very different stories. In the Premier League, he managed just one goal and four assists across 30 appearances, starting only 11 times. He was often a substitute — a far cry from his 15-goal season in 2022-23.
But in Europe? Different player entirely. Martinelli netted six goals in the Champions League, proving he can deliver on the biggest stages. That kind of split output makes him a complicated player to evaluate.
The Vinicius Junior Connection
You can’t talk about Martinelli’s future without mentioning Vinicius Junior. Arsenal spent weeks pursuing the Real Madrid superstar, reportedly matching his wage demands. The Gunners were swinging for the fences.
Then came the cold water.
Fabrizio Romano confirmed that Vinicius is closing in on a new long-term deal with Real Madrid. Sky Sports backed that up, reporting that fresh contract talks between the player and the club were described as “positive.”
Di Marzio specifically linked the Vinicius situation to the Martinelli discussion. If Arsenal can’t land Vinicius, they’d almost certainly need to keep Martinelli. Selling a left-winger while failing to sign the one you wanted to replace him with doesn’t make much sense.
That’s the catch. Arsenal’s willingness to let Martinelli go likely depends on who they can bring in.
What Happens Next?
Right now, there’s no formal offer from Galatasaray for Martinelli. No negotiations underway. It’s interest, not action — at least not yet.
But the clock is ticking. The transfer window won’t stay open forever, and Galatasaray need a wide attacker after Wilfried Zaha departed as a free agent. If their pursuit of Leao hits a dead end, Martinelli could suddenly become priority number one.
Arsenal also have to weigh a practical concern. With only one year left on his deal (plus that option), letting Martinelli enter the final stretch of his contract carries risk. Other clubs have circled too. Manchester United were linked in July. Barcelona’s interest surfaced earlier in the summer.
There’s a real possibility that doing nothing is the worst option. Sell now for a decent fee, or risk losing him for far less — or even nothing — down the road.
For Mikel Arteta, it comes down to squad planning. Martinelli has been part of Arsenal’s journey from top-four hopefuls to Premier League champions. He still brings pace, intensity, and experience at 25. But his inconsistent domestic form last season opened the door to these conversations.
If the Vinicius deal collapses and no comparable alternative arrives, expect Arsenal to shut this one down fast. If it doesn’t? Don’t be surprised to see that Galatasaray shortlist turn into something more concrete before the window closes.
