For some, this was supposed to be the summer Gabriel Martinelli left the Emirates.
So why is the Brazilian winger still an Arsenal player?
Well, after a title-winning campaign where his contributions dwindled in the Premier League, Martinelli was widely tipped for the exit door. Arsenal’s signing of Christos Tzolis from Club Brugge and their pursuit of Vinicius Junior only added fuel to the fire. Yet here we are in August, and no deal has materialised.
so, let’s break down what’s really going on.
A Season That Raised More Questions Than Answers
Martinelli’s 2025/26 numbers tell a difficult story. Just one goal and four assists across 30 Premier League appearances. That’s a return that doesn’t match Arsenal’s ambitions, especially for a player who once looked like the future of the club’s left flank.
The Champions League was a different story. He registered six goals and two assists in 14 European matches, showing flashes of the explosive attacker who first burst onto the scene after his move from Ituano in 2019 and for Arsenal in 22/23 season.
But inconsistency has been the theme. And it hasn’t gone unnoticed.
The Telegraph reported that Martinelli was a strong candidate for sale, noting Arsenal would need to offload at least one senior player this summer due to last year’s spending. His contract runs until 2027, which means the club’s leverage shrinks with every passing month.
Bayern Munich, Barcelona, PSG, and Atletico Madrid have all been linked. TEAMtalk reported that Bayern made enquiries, while Fichajes claimed Barcelona were monitoring the situation with a minimum asking price of €45 million.
So what happened? Why hasn’t anyone pulled the trigger?
Why No Offer Has Landed
Here’s the reality. Interest and actual bids are two very different things.
According to The Telegraph’s latest odds analysis, Martinelli staying at the Emirates is now more likely than him leaving. Arsenal have been open to offers, but none have arrived that meet their valuation.
Football365 reported that Martinelli would ideally like to leave in this window. But a BBC Sport report from Sami Mokbel painted a more nuanced picture:
- Martinelli remains happy at Arsenal
- He’ll only consider leaving for the right opportunity
- He isn’t actively pushing to go
There’s an important wrinkle here too. Both Martinelli and Vinicius Junior are represented by Roc Nation. If Arsenal complete that blockbuster Vinicius deal, Martinelli’s camp will know exactly what it means for his playing time.
The Vinicius pursuit has intensified dramatically. Reports suggest Arsenal have agreed personal terms in principle with the Real Madrid star, and a substantial offer is being prepared. Sky Sports confirmed the Gunners’ interest is real, with Vinicius entering his final year of contract.
What Comes Next for Martinelli?
Arsenal’s summer rebuild has already reshaped the squad. Leandro Trossard left for Besiktas in a £15.3 million deal. Christos Tzolis arrived from Club Brugge for £34 million, bringing 22 goals and 29 assists from last season alone.
If Vinicius Junior signs, Martinelli’s path to regular minutes gets even narrower. That could be the catalyst that finally pushes a move over the line.
But the window’s closing stages can be unpredictable. A club might suddenly lose a target and pivot to Martinelli. Or a loan with an obligation to buy could emerge as a compromise.
For now, the 25-year-old trains with the squad and waits. Arsenal won’t force him out. They don’t need to. But they won’t stand in his way either, as long as the price is right.
It’s a strange kind of limbo for a player who helped deliver a first league title in 22 years. Martinelli deserves credit for that. Whether he gets the chance to add to that legacy at Arsenal depends entirely on what happens in the next few weeks.
