Gabriel Martinelli has been a mainstay in the Arsenal squad for a very long time now. Arsenal signed the Brazilian from Ituano in 2019. Over the years, Martinelli has done exceptionally well to retain his place in an extremely competitive Arsenal squad. Gabriel Martinelli has also grown rapidly as a player. With multiple high moments and memorable performances in an Arsenal shirt, the 24-year-old has made a name for himself as a consistent Arsenal attacker. However, the Gunners are moving rapidly upwards in terms of squad strength. They are now arguably the best team in the world. In the process of enhancing their squad, they are all set to sign Wolves wonderkid Mateus Mane. Now the question is, how is this going to affect Martinelli’s future at the club?
Gabriel Martinelli this season
Since last season, Martinelli’s Arsenal career has become a mixed bag. Last season and in the ongoing season, he has had great moments while also having a few rough patches. He has scored close to 20 goals in over 70 games in these two seasons for Arsenal. Some players are more than just statistics. You could say the same about Martinelli as well. He is a direct winger who presses extremely well in crucial attacking junctures. The Brazilian adds some much-needed energy to the Arsenal attack.
However, this season has truly been a letdown for Martinelli. The technically gifted winger has managed to score just one Premier League goal this season. Furthermore, SofaScore statistics say that Martinelli has not created a single big chance in the league this season. That is a shocking stat for a player who is expected to be a creative and attacking weapon for Arsenal. This is the kind of season that makes a player lose his place in the team. Especially under Mikel Arteta, who is looking to finally reap success at Arsenal, Martinelli must be walking on thin ice. Martinelli’s lacking performances has probably urged Arteta and Arsenal to make improvements to the squad. We are getting reports of Arsenal being in talks to sign Wolves prospect Mateus Mane. This signing is going to change the squad dynamics for the Gunners if it eventually happens.
Mateus Mane vs Gabriel Martinelli
Mateus Mane has been a sensation for Wolves this season. He has truly been the talk of the town in recent times. Playing in probably the worst-ever Premier League side in history, Mane rejuvenated a struggling Wolves side. Coming into the team from the academy, Mane played against West Ham and Everton. The 18-year-old managed to score in both games. He has been the kind of winger who does not just score, but also gets you excited through electric pace and skill. Wolves were completely lost this season and were struggling to find some spark in the squad. Mane provided exactly that spark in the two games he played.
Mateus Mané (18) astonishing impact at Wolves, thrust into a hopeless situation with Wolves adrift at the bottom but he's been a shinning
Without Mane, Wolves did not have anyone willing to run at an opponent let alone beat them. In doing so, he is making things happen.
Rolling… pic.twitter.com/Q4fPijtIFk
— António Mango (@AntonioMango4) January 15, 2026
On the other hand, Arsenal have been exceptional this season. They have been flawless in all the competitions they have taken part in. However, going forward in the attack, they haven’t looked too dangerous on some occasions. They have missed that X-factor in their attack, you could say. To be a top-quality side in Europe, you will need to have that X-factor. Mateus Mane can be that X-factor for the Gunners if they manage to sign him. And moving on from Martinelli could be the best path to take in order for Arsenal to become the best in Europe.
Conclusion
Gabriel Martinelli has been a great servant for Arsenal in all these years. He has contributed on multiple occasions, but it is probably time to move on. Arsenal could benefit greatly from this Mateus Mane upgrade. He is young, exciting, hungry, and could be that much-needed X-factor.
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