Galatasaray target Ethan Nwaneri and Gabriel Martinelli as Arsenal face fresh transfer interest this summer.
Full name: Arsenal Football Club Nickname: The Gunners Founded: October 1886 Stadium: Emirates Stadium Owner: Kroenke Sports and Entertainment Co-chairmen: Stan Kroenke, Josh Kroenke Manager: Mikel Arteta League: Premier League Season 2025/26: Champions Website: arsenal.com Arsenal football club is one… Read More about ARSENAL
Arsenal are once again in the spotlight this summer, as per the latest transfer news, with two first team players now the subject of official offers. Ethan Nwaneri and Gabriel Martinelli have both been targeted by Turkish side Galatasaray. The north London club must now decide whether to let either player leave.
Galatasaray eye double deal for Ethan Nwaneri and Martinelli
As reported by football.london, Galatasaray boss Okan Buruk has approved a double move for both players. Galatasaray have now submitted official offers worth around €40 million for Martinelli and €5 million for a Nwaneri loan. A mandatory purchase clause is attached if certain conditions are met. The interest follows Galatasaray missing out on Rafael Leao, after AC Milan’s asking price of around £51 million proved too high.
The two offers are structured differently. Martinelli’s deal reportedly includes an option to buy once the loan spell ends. Nwaneri’s proposed move centers on that mandatory purchase clause instead, tied to appearances. This suggests Galatasaray see Ethan Nwaneri as more than a short term addition, despite the loan framing.
Both players have had mixed roles under Mikel Arteta this year. Martinelli has often had to fight for a starting spot on the left wing, while competition from Roma has also emerged. Nwaneri, still only 19, struggled for regular football time on loan at Marseille last season. Arsenal are yet to make a decision on either deal.
Nwaneri’s stats for the 2025-26 season at Arsenal and Marseille, as per FOTMOB:
Competition Appearances Goals Assists
Premier League 6 0 0
UCL 3 0 0
Ligue 1 9 2 1
FA Cup 1 0 0
EFL Cup 2 1 0
Martinelli’s stats for the 2025-26 season at Arsenal, as per FOTMOB:
Competition Appearances Goals Assists
Premier League 30 1 4
UCL 14 6 2
FA Cup 4 4 1
EFL Cup 5 0 0
Arsenal strengthen squad amid exit rumours
The Gunners have made four signings this summer, bringing in Bruno Guimaraes, Piero Hincapie, Illan Meslier, and forward Christos Tzolis from Club Brugge for a reported £34 million. Tzolis adds pace and directness to Arteta’s attacking options ahead of the new Premier League season. On the way out, Leandro Trossard has left for Besiktas in a £17 million deal, and Christian Norgaard has also exited the club.
From a tactical perspective, losing both Martinelli and Nwaneri could still leave Arsenal light on width and creativity if their new arrivals need time to settle. Martinelli’s pace down the left has long shaped Arteta’s build up play, while Nwaneri offers rare versatility across midfield and attack. Selling both in the same window would be a significant risk, even with the squad refreshed elsewhere.
Arsenal FC
Arsenal FC
Mikel Arteta addresses transfer plans
Mikel Arteta faced questions this week about Arsenal’s remaining plans for the window. He said more moves are likely before it closes. As reported by BBC, the head coach said: “We expect to have movements in the next few weeks, obviously.” Arteta also stressed that margins in the Premier League are tight. He said Arsenal need more internal competition if they want to keep improving.
Arteta’s comments suggest the club is willing to let squad players leave if it sharpens standards elsewhere. Whether that logic extends to Ethan Nwaneri, a genuine talent still only 19, is the bigger question. With Galatasaray reportedly submitting official offers for both him and Martinelli, Arsenal may soon face a real decision. How much do they value keeping their own academy graduates?