Paris Saint-Germain have made contact with Arsenal over a transfer for Gabriel Martinelli this summer, according to TEAMtalk.
The Gunners suffered defeat in the Champions League final against PSG this past weekend in a penalty shootout, meaning they must continue to wait for their first-ever major European trophy. But they did enjoy a fine campaign, winning the Premier League and reaching the Carabao Cup final too.
Now Mikel Arteta is looking to refresh his squad and go again next season, and that means there could be a number of high-profile exits on the cards during the window.
Arsenal and PSG In Talks Over Martinelli
Gabriel Martinelli
Gabriel Martinelli
Martinelli, who has been described as 'frightening', has been a regular at the Emirates Stadium under Arteta during his entire tenure at the club, and registered 11 goals and five assists in all competitions this season.
The Brazilian was a substitute in the Champions League final last weekend but came on and scored in the penalty shootout, and although the team fell to defeat, it's understood that PSG were impressed by his running speed and work rate, and feel he could be a good replacement for Bradley Barcola if he leaves the Parc des Princes.
Luis Enrique is understood to be a big fan of the 24-year-old and has already given his green light to get a deal over the line, with talks held between senior club chiefs.
Arsenal are understood to be targeting a new left-winger this summer, with a number of names under consideration, and they could be open to letting Martinelli depart as he enters the final year of his contract at the Emirates, although they hold the option to extend by a further 12 months.
But no final decision has been made on that front yet, with Arteta yet to cement any plans for the new season. But PSG are right in the mix, alongside German champions Bayern Munich, should Martinelli become available.
Martinelli Exit Looks Inevitable
gabriel martinelli
While there are no guarantees yet, it looks highly likely that Martinelli will be leaving the north London club this summer after an exciting and fruitful seven years with the side.
While he has his clear strengths, his lack of technical quality and ruthlessness in front of goal means he isn't quite good enough to be a regular starter in the Premier League for a team competing on all fronts. He's more than good enough to be a squad player, but he wants more than that, and rightly so.
A move abroad to a club like PSG would see his strengths magnified, and Arsenal would be able to demand a big fee to let him leave. It's a deal that works for everyone, and is one to keep an eye on in the coming months.
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