It’s the worst-kept secret at the Emirates this summer. Gabriel Martinelli, the once-electric Brazilian winger who burst onto the scene as a teenager, is heading for the door. Arsenal aren’t just open to selling — they’re actively inviting offers.
And the suitors? Well, they’re lining up.
With Mikel Arteta reshaping his attacking options after a Premier League title and a Champions League final run, Martinelli’s time in north London appears over. But where does the 25-year-old go next?
Well, let’s break down the clubs circling and what each move would mean.
Why Arsenal Are Ready to Let Go
The numbers tell the story. Martinelli managed just one Premier League goal in 30 appearances during the 2025-26 season. He started only 10 of those matches. For a title-winning squad, that return isn’t close to good enough.
His Champions League form told a different story — six goals in 14 games — but it wasn’t enough to change Arteta’s thinking. The signing of Christos Tzolis from Club Brugge for €40m, confirmed by Fabrizio Romano last week, makes Martinelli’s position even more fragile. With Trossard already sold to Besiktas and Tzolis arriving as the direct replacement, Martinelli has dropped down the pecking order.
Former Arsenal midfielder Emmanuel Petit didn’t mince words on talkSPORT. He urged Arteta to move Martinelli on, saying Arsenal need wingers who can consistently make the difference.
Martinelli’s contract runs until 2027 with a club option for an additional year. Arsenal reportedly want €45-50m, per CalcioMercato.it. That gives them leverage — but the clock is ticking. This summer offers the best chance to cash in.
The Clubs in the Hunt
Multiple sources have linked at least five clubs to Martinelli. Here’s where things stand with the most serious contenders.
- Manchester United see Martinelli as a natural fit on the left wing. He knows the Premier League, has Champions League experience, and would cost around €50m. However, Marcus Rashford’s future complicates things. If Rashford stays, United probably won’t move. Interestingly, Martinelli had trials at Old Trafford as a teenager before Arsenal scooped him up.
- Atletico Madrid have made enquiries, and there’s even talk of a potential double deal involving Gabriel Jesus. Diego Simeone’s system rewards relentless runners. That’s Martinelli in a nutshell. His work rate has always been arguably his strongest asset.
- Bayern Munich have had Martinelli on their radar since the Thomas Tuchel era. But Bild journalist Christian Falk reported that Bayern are unlikely to bid. They view him as a backup option, not a starter. Falk noted that Martinelli wouldn’t get the regular minutes he craves in Munich either.
- Newcastle United have reportedly held talks with Arsenal about a possible deal. They’re exploring left-wing targets and believe Martinelli could come at a lower price than some alternatives. No concrete offer yet, but the interest is real.
- Roma and Juventus have also contacted Arsenal, according to transfer reporter Ekrem Konur. Both Italian clubs see the Brazilian as an intriguing option, though neither has pushed hard enough to lead the race.
What Comes Next for Martinelli?
Here’s the thing about Martinelli — he’s still only 25. He represented Brazil at the 2026 World Cup, scoring against Japan in the group stage. His best years should be ahead of him.
But his Arsenal chapter has stalled. One league goal across an entire season isn’t the output of a player fighting for his spot. It’s the stat line of someone who’s already mentally moved on.
The €50m asking price feels fair. Not cheap enough to be a bargain, not expensive enough to scare serious buyers away. It’s a fee that reflects what Martinelli has been rather than what he was last season.
Man United and Atletico Madrid look like the frontrunners right now. United need a left winger badly. Atletico want pressing intensity. Both clubs can afford the fee.
Don’t be surprised if this one moves quickly once pre-season gets underway. Arsenal want the money reinvested. Martinelli wants minutes. Something has to give — and it will.
