Arsenal Ready to Sell Fan Favourite as Six Players Face Exit Door
Gabriel Martinelli has emerged as a candidate for departure from Arsenal this summer as the club seeks to reduce their salary expenses and enhance their roster ahead of what could be a crucial campaign for head coach Mikel Arteta.
The Gunners secured second place for the third consecutive season while making deeper progress in the Champions League by advancing to the semi-final stage. Despite injury setbacks, Arsenal faced significant challenges in front of goal. Their Premier League goal tally dropped by 21 compared to the previous campaign, sparking ongoing discussions about strengthening both the striker position and wing forward roles. Consequently, reports suggest that six players might depart this summer, including one of their regular attacking players, the popular Martinelli.
Among those mentioned are Oleksandr Zinchenko, Reiss Nelson, Jakub Kiwior, Fabio Vieira, Albert Sambi Lokonga and possibly Martinelli, according to The Times. Zinchenko and Nelson stand out particularly due to their weekly salaries of no less than £100,000 ($134,555).
Kiwior and Martinelli come as unexpected inclusions considering their contributions over the last two campaigns. The Polish defender provided crucial squad depth, operating effectively at both left-back and center-back positions when needed. Martinelli, aged 24, presents an opportunity for substantial transfer revenue. The Brazilian arrived for merely £6 million ($8.07 million) in 2019 from Ituano, who now compete in Brazil's third division. He has featured in over 30 Premier League matches in each of the last three seasons, though his output has declined since netting 15 league goals during the 2022-23 campaign.
This reduction stems partly from tactical instructions and partly from the system employed and his fellow players around him. Despite being marketed as a dynamic attacker, he frequently finds himself, like many contemporary players, circulating possession around the penalty area. When not doing so, he typically attempts to beat defenders along the touchline, with his crossing accuracy being inconsistent.
His creative statistics might improve with a traditional center-forward, but his most effective performances occurred when Gabriel Jesus operated as a false nine, creating space for others. Jesus, who also struggles with fitness issues, may see his playing time reduced further should Arsenal complete the signing of either Benjamin Šeško or Viktor Gyökeres.
Should a substantial offer materialize and a transfer be contemplated, Arsenal must guarantee they have identified a quality replacement. Leandro Trossard has yet to cement his place in the starting eleven since his arrival, though he remains an important component of Arteta's vision. Previous transfer window shortcomings resulted in arrangements like Raheem Sterling's loan deal, which proved to be a complete disappointment.
Meanwhile, Martin Zubimendi was spotted in London to finalize his rumored transfer as Arsenal look to strengthen their midfield options. The club is anticipated to make a determination regarding Thomas Partey's future.