From For Sale to Untouchable – How Arsenal Changed Their Stance on Martinelli

Mail Sport understands that Arsenal were open to selling Gabriel Martinelli at the start of the transfer window, but only if the right offer came in. The north London club had set a valuation of more than £60 million for the Brazilian forward, while interest from potential suitors was only reaching the £40 million mark. That significant gap in valuation ultimately deterred Arsenal from pushing ahead with a sale.

Martinelli, now an established figure in Mikel Arteta’s squad, has grown into one of Arsenal’s most important attacking players since joining from Ituano in 2019. His speed, flair, and ability to score in big games have made him a fan favourite at the Emirates Stadium. However, sources close to the club indicated that Arsenal were at least willing to consider the idea of moving him on this summer if a bid in excess of £60m had arrived.

The fact that interest did not reach the required level left Arsenal in no rush to sell. Premier League and European clubs explored the possibility of signing Martinelli, but none came close to matching Arsenal’s valuation. With Arsenal competing across multiple competitions this season, including the Premier League and Champions League, retaining attacking depth has been a priority for the club. Martinelli’s versatility, being able to play on either flank or even through the middle if needed, made it all the more important to keep hold of him.

For Martinelli himself, the situation was clear. He remains happy at Arsenal and has no pressing desire to force a move away. Having signed a new long-term deal in early 2023, the Brazilian has committed his future to the club, and his camp believes that Arsenal remains the best environment for his development. Sources suggest that unless an extraordinary proposal had come in, he was unlikely to leave north London at this stage of his career.

From the club’s perspective, their stance on Martinelli underlines a broader point about their approach to transfers under Sporting Director Andrea Berta. Arsenal are no longer a selling club willing to lose their best players for fees below market value. Instead, they have placed strong valuations on their core squad members, ensuring that any departure would only come on their terms. This represents a shift in culture at the Emirates, as Arteta and the board aim to keep their best talents while adding carefully in other areas.

In the end, Martinelli is staying put, and Arsenal will count that as a win given the demands of the season ahead. With the Brazilian now set to focus fully on his football, the club hopes he can rediscover his sharpest form and play a key role in their pursuit of silverware. While the idea of a sale was explored early in the window, Arsenal’s refusal to compromise on valuation ensures that Martinelli remains in north London – ready to continue his journey in red and white.

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