Which club faces a bigger setback if Bayern sign their winger: Arsenal with their 24-year-old star or Liverpool with their duo?
The apparent calm in London does not reflect what is happening in the offices. While the market has not yet reached its peak, a number of important talks are already taking place away from the spotlight. Arsenal, despite keeping a low profile, are facing growing interest from Germany.
Bayern Munich have quietly but determinedly begun to make a move. What started as an informal mention months ago is now taking concrete form. Gabriel Martinelli’s name is once again part of the internal talks in Säbener Straße. This time, without Tuchel’s obstacle, the interest has taken on a different tone.
Which club faces a bigger setback if Bayern sign their winger: Arsenal with their 24-year-old star or Liverpool with their duo?
Christian Falk, a journalist for Bild, was the first to make it clear: Bayern are already discussing the signing of Gabriel Martinelli. On his website CFBayernInsider, Falk details that there has been direct contact with the Brazilian’s entourage.
The 24-year-old Arsenal winger has a contract until 2027 and a market value of around 55 million euros. It is not the first time the Bavarian club has explored the possibility, but now the move is gaining real traction. Bayern is not limited to one name.
Cody Gakpo and Luis Diaz, both from Liverpool, are also on the list of options to strengthen the attack. According to Falk, Diaz even had a pre-agreement with Real Madrid, but the Spanish club have decided to retain Rodrygo. That unexpected switch has left the Colombian in Munich’s direct sights.
Opinion:
Martinelli represents more than a speedy winger; his profile fits the type of player Arteta wants to consolidate in his new project. However, Bayern’s suggested price tag opens up a serious dilemma for Arsenal officials: should they take advantage of an offer of close to 55 million to strengthen other, weaker areas? It is a considerable figure, especially considering the Brazilian has had his ups and downs due to injury.
While his potential is still evident, there are those within the club who believe that the left flank already has in-house replacements who could take more of a leading role. Selling now would not be a sign of weakness, but a strategic way to invest in other more urgent players, such as a midfielder or a solid right-back. However, releasing a 24-year-old player with room for growth to a straight club in Europe also has its risks.
In Liverpool’s case, the scenario is different. Diaz and Gakpo have been part of a forward line that, after Mané’s departure and Nunez’s intermittent form, has not quite settled. Selling one of those two, even if a big offer comes from Germany, would jeopardise the attacking balance.
Slot has already had to rotate too much and has lost consistency in key games. Also, with Salah entering a stage of obvious physical exhaustion, losing Diaz or Gakpo now would be dangerous. Bayern can tempt with money, but Liverpool are in no position to give away attacking power.
Between Arsenal and Liverpool, the most sensitive loss would be the Colombian. Martinelli has potential, but Diaz is in his prime. If Bayern manage to sign the former Porto player, they will gain a mature, unbalanced attacker who is used to high-pressure games.
Therefore, the blow to Liverpool would be more immediate and more difficult to correct. Arsenal can adapt better to the loss of Martinelli if they sign smartly. But if Diaz leaves Anfield, the impact will be felt from matchday one.