Arsenal look to have been handed a clear transfer answer from Gabriel Martinelli following a bid for his services by Galatasaray
Gabriel Martinelli has informed Arsenal of his transfer decision following a bid from Galatasaray
Gabriel Martinelli has informed Arsenal of his transfer decision following a bid from Galatasaray (Image: (Photo by David Price/Arsenal FC via Getty Images))
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Gabriel Martinelli has reportedly opted against a move from Arsenal to Turkish champions Galatasaray. Concrete interest in the Gunners winger emerged earlier this month with an official bid later lodged by Gala that was under consideration.
Mikel Arteta's side are looking at attacking additions which has seen several clubs take note of Martinelli's potential availability. Links to Galatasaray were particularly strong with contact made and €45million (£38m) offer later proposed.
While Arsenal are open to a sale - but only if a replacement had been lined up - the Athletic have reported that Martinelli has no interest in joining Galatasaray. They have claimed that the club have been told this by Martinelli's camp.
He has has been heavily tipped to depart Emirates Stadium, with Arsenal keen to strengthen in his position, but any funds generated from his sale look set to hinge on interest from another top European league.
Bayern Munich had him on a shortlist last summer before they completed the signing of Luis Diaz from Liverpool. As yet, no firm interest has materialised from clubs in England, France, Spain, Germany or Italy.
AS Roma have been tentatively linked as they search for a new wide man, but Martinelli — who has one year left on his current deal, though Arsenal hold an option to extend it by a further 12 months — commands wages beyond what the Italian club are prepared to meet.
The 25-year-old finds himself at something of a career crossroads, with regular first-team football at the Emirates looking increasingly unlikely following the arrival of Christos Tzolis and the club's intention to bring in another forward.
Morgan Rogers and Vinicius Jr were their two primary targets but the former chose a switch to Chelsea while the latter committed his future to Real Madrid with a new contract.
Bradley Barcola
Liverpool's top transfer target Bradley Barcola has also been linked with Arsenal
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A move for Bradley Barcola has been considered but he is more likely to make the switch to Liverpool should he leave Paris Saint-Germain this summer. Yan Diomande was mooted but he has since put pen to paper with Real Madrid.
Arsenal are also willing to part ways with Gabriel Jesus, with the Brazil international set to depart on a free transfer at the end of the campaign if he doesn't move on this summer or during the January window next year.
Napoli are extremely keen on securing the signature of the former Manchester City man but are awaiting the sales of both Romelu Lukaku and Noa Lang. The latter is a target for Ajax, who have recently agreed to offload Mika Godts to PSG.
Arsenal may well circle back for Julian Alvarez but he is likely to command a substantial fee which is perhaps why Martinelli was available to leave if an appropriate offer materialised.
Defence may be the club's main focus, however, with interest in Bayer Leverkusen and ex-Liverpool defender Jarrell Quansah emerging as an alternative to Aston Villa's Ezri Konsa.