Arsenal have received an approach for Gabriel Martinelli after completing a £75m deal for Bruno Guimaraes. The Premier League champions have been in negotiations for weeks and finally agreed a big-money move to bring the Brazilian midfielder from Newcastle United.
Midfield reinforcements and winger additions
Guimaraes bolsters an Arsenal midfield already featuring Declan Rice, Martin Odegaard, Martin Zubimendi, Mikel Merino, Eberechi Eze, and Myles Lewis-Skelly. On the wing, Arsenal have also signed Christos Tzolis in a £34m deal from Club Brugge, adding to Mikel Arteta's attacking options.
Arteta sanctioned the move for the Greek international after allowing Leandro Trossard to leave in a £15m transfer to Besiktas. Trossard's departure has opened the door for more changes, with Martinelli also linked to an exit.
Martinelli's future at the Emirates
Martinelli is Arsenal's longest-serving player, having made his debut in 2019 at age 18. He has been a mainstay since, making 278 appearances in all competitions. However, last season he struggled for impact, scoring just one goal in 30 Premier League games. He is expected to fall behind new signing Tzolis in Arteta's pecking order.
According to Football London, Arsenal have received a tempting approach from Galatasaray. Turkish clubs have been active this summer, with Trabzonspor securing a stunning deal for Liverpool legend Mohamed Salah, Besiktas signing Trossard, and Fenerbahce holding talks to sign England star Marcus Rashford from Manchester United.
Arsenal's reluctance and alternative targets
Arsenal are reportedly reluctant to entertain interest in Martinelli after failing in their bid to sign Real Madrid icon Vinicius Junior. However, they are already looking at alternative targets and could allow Martinelli to leave if they bring in another winger.
Martinelli is believed to be settled in north London but is aware his game-time could suffer if Arteta brings in a new winger. Former Arsenal striker Alan Smith understands why Arteta may consider selling Martinelli but disagreed with Trossard's exit.
'The only one from that list I wouldn’t want to see go is Leandro Trossard. I think he had a great season. He can score important goals and he’s a very clever player, versatile as well. He’s mainly played on the left, but he can come inside. He’s a big fan favourite as well. Looking at Gabriel Martinelli, it’s been a frustrating few years for him.'
Smith also commented on other potential departures, saying, 'I can see Gabriel Jesus going as well, certainly if Arsenal buy another striker which it looks like they’re trying to do. I think he would be the first one that they would try and offload. But Leandro Trossard, for me, is one you wouldn’t want to let go.'
Other transfer developments
Martinelli's countryman Jesus has been linked with a return to Brazil and has emerged as a target for Napoli. Arsenal face Manchester City in the Community Shield next weekend before their Premier League opener against newly-promoted Coventry City.
In other news, Arsenal have set a price for Chelsea to sign Martin Zubimendi after a Real Madrid approach, and Diego Simeone has sent a message to Arsenal over a Julian Alvarez transfer. Arsenal are also reportedly turning to an £85m winger after missing out on Vinicius Junior.
