Galatasaray have earmarked Arsenal winger Gabriel Martinelli as an alternative to AC Milan’s Rafael Leao this summer, according to journalist Gianluca Di Marzio.
The Turkish champions have been locked in negotiations with the Rossoneri for Leao, but their latest offer remains well below the expectations of the Milan giants.
Galatasaray recently proposed to pay £26 million plus £4m in add-ons for the Portuguese star, but Milan remain adamant that they won’t sell him for less than £43m.
Martinelli has now emerged as the ‘preferred alternative’ to the former Lille man, but Arsenal would need to find a replacement first before considering his departure.
Martinelli won’t be sold unless a marquee left winger arrives
The Gunners were hot on the trail of Real Madrid star Vinicius Junior, and manager Mikel Arteta personally spoke with the 26-year-old regarding the project.
Arsenal were prepared to hand a club-record weekly salary to the Brazil international, but he ended up committing his future to Madrid with a long-term deal today.
The news is undoubtedly a blow to the Gunners’ summer transfer plans, given they seemed determined to bring in Vinicius as a marquee left winger ahead of the 2026/27 season.
With the Vinicius saga having ended, Arsenal need to focus on a suitable alternative. In the meantime, the club are unlikely to entertain the prospect of selling Martinelli.
Summer signing Christos Tzolis and Martinelli are the specialist left wingers in the squad at the moment, and a top-class addition will be required to see the latter heading out.
Arsenal have previously told intermediaries that they would sell Martinelli for £39-43m, which is quite similar to the fee the Rossoneri are demanding for Leao at the moment.
Galatasaray have only proposed to pay £30m for Leao thus far, which has been swiftly snubbed.
Arsenal are unlikely to entertain such a proposal from the Super Lig holders for Martinelli either. We doubt whether the Turkish heavyweights would be able to afford his signature.
Roma and Juventus are also keen on the Ituano graduate. The former were prepared to spend £40m plus add-ons for Crysencio Summerville, and could emerge as a destination for Martinelli.
For now, Martinelli’s exit is dependent on a new left winger being signed. If not, Arsenal could decide to keep him, given they have the option to extend his contract by another year (June 2028).