Mikel Arteta Gabriel Martinelli Arsenal
(Credit: Imago/Hasan Karim, Breaking Media)
Mick Brown
Fri 11 July 2025 6:30, UK
Arsenal are planning to accept offers for Gabriel Martinelli this summer amid speculation about a big-money move to the Saudi Pro League.
That is according to former Man United and Blackburn chief scout Mick Brown, who remains very well-connected within the game, as he exclusively told Football Insider that Mikel Arteta believes the 24-year-old can be easily replaced.
Should a bid upwards of £70million arrive at the Emirates, the money will then be used to facilitate incoming deals for the likes of Noni Madueke and Eberechi Eze.
This comes after Brown told Football Insider that Arsenal want to sign both Madueke and Eze and could step up their pursuit as they close in on Viktor Gyokeres.
Martinelli’s sale would help to facilitate those moves, as the Gunners are currently haggling over asking prices, particularly in their pursuit of Eze.
Meanwhile, Brown told Football Insider in May that Arsenal could target Rafael Leao from AC Milan if the Brazil winger is sold as they plan to strengthen out wide.
Arsenal winger Gabriel Martinelli
Gabriel Martinelli could leave Arsenal this summer. (Credit: Imago)
MORE FOOTBALL INSIDER STORIES
Arsenal make Gabriel Martinelli decision after ‘£70m’ claim
Brown told Football Insider in May that Arsenal are prepared to sell Martinelli if they can land a top-class replacement in the transfer market.
The former scout, who has a wealth of experience in top-level player recruitment after over a decade at Man United during their most successful period, explained that Saudi Pro League interest has made his exit more likely and for a big price.
“Arsenal are prepared to let Gabriel Martinelli go,” he told Football Insider.
“There’s been talk about bids upwards of £70million, and if they get an offer like that I think they’d snap your hand off and he’d be gone tomorrow.
“With Saudi clubs looking at him, you can never rule it out.
“Mikel Arteta feels he can improve in that position, and that sort of money would allow them to do it.
“Martinelli has always shown flashes of being a top player but he’s not consistent enough.
“Going into this season, they’re determined to win the league, and they want players who can deliver them consistent performances which you need to succeed.
“We know they’ve been looking at the likes of Madueke or Eze.
“So getting money like that from Martinelli’s sale will allow them to go and spend big on replacing him.
“They need to take a step up from where they have been in the last couple of years, and cashing in on him might be what they need to take that step up.”
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta
Mikel Arteta could cash in on first-team stars. (Credit: Hasan Karim, Breaking Media)
Ethan Nwaneri could quit after Mikel Arteta talks
Martinelli is not the only player who could be on his way out of Arsenal this summer, however, amid speculation surrounding the future of Ethan Nwaneri.
Brown told Football Insider on 8 July that Nwaneri has held talks with Arsenal and Arteta about a new deal and is set to demand assurances over his role in the squad.
However, Arteta is currently unable to offer those assurances while preparations are ongoing behind the scenes to strengthen his squad in the transfer market.
Despite this, Football Insider exclusively revealed on 7 July that Arsenal are determined to keep Nwaneri and have no intention of letting him leave this summer.
For more Arsenal and exclusive news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.
Related Posts