Gabriel Martinelli’s form and future at Arsenal hangs in balance. Gabriel Martinelli, previously considered one of Arsenal’s brightest sparks, is staring at an uncertain future at the club. This is following by a slump in form and intensifying competition. The Brazilian winger’s struggles have become something of a lightning rod for criticism and speculation. The doubts sustains over his long-term place in Mikel Arteta’s plans.
A Decrease in Productivity and Belief
Martinelli’s fall from grace is all the more stark when compared to his breakout 2022–23 campaign. That saw him notch 15 Premier League goals and six assists in 36 appearances. But the last two seasons, his output has nose-dived — just 14 league goals between those seasons. This campaign, he’s failed to score a goal or assist in his first two outings, emphasizing his difficulties. His shot conversion rate dropped from 27.78% in 2022–23 to 16.22% in 2023–24. This is a sign that he lost confidence and efficiency in front of goal.
Amid criticism of recent Arsenal performances, Gabriel Martinelli started for Brazil last night.
Here’s a look at his issues @ #AFC – a stylistic shift in the team, a struggle for confidence, & the Anfield moment that became a meme@TheAthleticFC 🔴⚪️🇧🇷https://t.co/u7OpEyr9Ir
— gunnerblog (@gunnerblog) September 5, 2025
Tactical Fit and Competition
Arsenal’s transformation into a more controlled and structured team has perhaps eroded the spaces Martinelli used to flourish in. His bang-bang pace and directness were a boon in an orgy of transition. But Arteta’s present system calls for more discipline and making smarter decisions — things Martinelli has struggled with. The additions of Eberechi Eze and Noni Madueke have increased competition for the left wing position, nudging Martinelli further down the depth chart. Leandro Trossard’s form has also restricted his chances, making starts much more difficult to come by.
🚨 @SamiMokbel_BBC: “At the start of the window, I had a conversation with someone with good connections – he alluded to the fact that Gabriel Martinelli wouldn’t be available this summer. As last season wasn’t his best, there was probably an internal admission they wouldn’t be… pic.twitter.com/IwCloLwJEE
— DailyAFC (@DailyAFC) August 7, 2025
Transfer Speculation and Valuation
In the summer transfer window, Arsenal were willing to let Martinelli go if the right deal came in, valuing him at £50–60m. But interested clubs, Bayern Munich among them, were ready to pay no more than around £40million and so no deal was struck. This unwillingness to pay Arsenal’s valuation indicates that while his potential is acknowledged, his present-day form has made people wary.
A Critical Season Ahead
No extension talks are on the horizon and his deal runs until 2027 (2028 option), making this season a defining campaign for Martinelli. Arteta’s ruthlessness in transitioning out players that no longer fit the club’s direction is there for all to see, as he demonstrated with Aaron Ramsdale and Gabriel Jesus. Martinelli needs to find his instinctive flair again and step up his decision-making before he becomes the ‘next victim of Arsenal’s evolution’.
Conclusion
Gabriel Martinelli’s Arsenal future depends on rediscovering fan favourite form Though the club is patient, the pressure is building on the Brazilian to show he still can be a difference-maker on a title-contending team. Otherwise, the Gunners could return to transfer avenues next summer, concluding his once-bright North London venture.