Arsenal is reportedly ready to sell Gabriel Martinelli, a player once described as a “talent of the century” by former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp.
Arsenal is reportedly ready to sell Gabriel Martinelli, a player once described as a “talent of the century” by former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp. Sporting director Andrea Berta is adopting a ruthless approach, willing to offload the 24-year-old winger for a significant fee. AC Milan has emerged as a potential suitor, identifying Martinelli as an ideal replacement for Rafael Leao.
Martinelli’s Future at Arsenal
Martinelli’s future at Arsenal has been uncertain, with the winger’s failure to consistently perform in the past two seasons raising concerns. The club had pegged Martinelli’s price at £60 million earlier this summer, but potential buyers were hesitant, offering around £40 million. This disparity in valuation may have contributed to Berta’s willingness to consider selling Martinelli in January.
Potential Replacement
If Martinelli departs, Arsenal has already identified a potential replacement in Rodrygo, a Brazilian winger playing for Real Madrid. Berta is reportedly keen on signing Rodrygo, who was valued at €100 million (£86.2m, $116m) in the summer transfer window. Rodrygo’s impressive skills and experience could make him a valuable addition to Arsenal’s squad.
Arsenal’s Transfer Strategy
Arsenal’s transfer strategy under Berta has been focused on building a competitive squad while maintaining financial balance. The club has invested heavily in new signings, including Viktor Gyokeres, Eberechi Eze, and Martin Zubimendi. However, Berta’s willingness to sell Martinelli suggests that Arsenal is prepared to make tough decisions to achieve their goals.
Implications for Martinelli
The potential sale of Martinelli would be a significant development for the player, who has been an integral part of Arsenal’s squad. Martinelli has expressed confidence in his abilities, stating that he feels better now than he did three years ago. However, his failure to consistently perform may have impacted his market value.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Arsenal’s decision to sell Martinelli reflects the club’s ruthless approach to transfers under Andrea Berta. While Martinelli’s departure would be a significant loss, Arsenal’s potential replacement, Rodrygo, could bring valuable experience and skills to the squad. The outcome will depend on various factors, including Martinelli’s form and Arsenal’s transfer strategy ¹.
