Gabriel Martinelli’s position at Arsenal has become interesting. The Brazilian winger featured in 53 matches for the Gunners last season across all competitions, but only started 25 times. He was a beast in FA Cup and Champions League fixtures (10g/4a), but underwhelmed in league play (1g/4a).
According to information obtained by Hooligan Soccer, two things have happened that directly impact Martinelli. One, Arsenal has set the player’s release clause at $63.5 million. Given market conditions and his age, this figure stands as a remarkably reasonable valuation. Two, Juventus, Galatasaray, and AS Roma have all stepped forward expressing interest in Martinelli.
However, this transfer dossier does carry some complications, which we’ll detail below.
Juventus: Looking to Start with a Loan
Juventus stands as the most tactical candidate in this transfer race. With his pace, individual quality and capacity to fulfill both defensive duties and offensive drives on the left wing, Martinelli’s profile aligns naturally with Luciano Spalletti’s game plan.
According to sources close to Hooligan Soccer, Juventus has some uncertainty around Martinelli’s recent match form and fitness. Juventus views a loan agreement with an option to buy as the most logical tactical route, and the club is prepared to insert a mandatory purchase clause set at a figure matching Arsenal’s valuation should the player perform to expectations during the loan spell. This structure minimizes Juve’s financial risk while offering an opportunity to field the player into the tactical setup.
Whether Arsenal remains open to this structure is another story. Our sources inform us that Arsenal’s initial reaction has been to push for a direct permanent transfer given the stated valuation. This initial point of friction will need resolution before discussion between the two clubs continue.
Galatasaray: A Plan B
Galatasaray is driven by a strategic motivation. The Yellow-Reds are attempting to finalize a transfer play for Rafael Leão. However, prying the winger away from AC Milan is no easy feat.
Hooligan Soccer can reveal that Galatasaray has identified Martinelli as their primary contingency plan if the Leão transfer falls through. The club’s sporting director has been briefed on the financial parameters of a potential deal with Arsenal. The $63.5 million transfer fee is a tall order for the Turkish giant. At most they can realistically spend around $46.5 million, which they feel is enough to get them into the game.
And, of course, Galatasaray’s interest is strictly conditional. Should the door for Leão remain open, the Martinelli dossier is benched. Should the door for Leão close, Martinelli comes into play.
For Martinelli personally, ignoring the financial allure of Turkish football is difficult. In recent years, Galatasaray has presented highly competitive wage packages to its key players. A decisive question remains whether Martinelli finds playing in Türkiye appealing for his career trajectory.
AS Roma: Looking to Bargain
AS Roma’s entry into this transfer race adds a different Italian scenario to the picture. Roma learned that Martinelli could be subbed away from Arsenal for €55 million. However, the club is expected to drive a hard bargain to pull the price down. The Italian club’s financial capacity lags behind that of Juventus. Placing a full €55 million upfront on the table presents a tough operational hurdle for Roma’s board.
According to Hooligan Soccer, Roma is interested in Martinelli and has initiated preliminary talks through intermediaries to fully understand Arsenal’s demands; however, given the club’s financial constraints compared to rival suitors, they are expected to insist on a lower transfer fee. Dropping the fee significantly in negotiations starting at €55 million will be exceptionally difficult. Arsenal appears steadfast in defending this figure.
Arsenal Willing to Sell, But a Replacement Is Required
Arsenal’s stance on this dossier is notable. The fact the club is open to offloading the player for $63.5 million indicates that Martinelli no longer occupies a central role in the Gunners’ future starting XI. As Mikel Arteta’s attacking options are reshaped, Martinelli’s place within this project has become a matter of debate.
However, before completing this transfer, Arsenal wants to have a replacement sub ready. This condition directly impacts both the timing and the structure of the deal. If a replacement cannot be secured, the sale will not go through. This condition is crucial for rival clubs to clearly grasp when Arsenal might pull the trigger.
Our sources have reported that Arsenal has begun evaluating potential attacking reinforcements to handle Martinelli’s departure with confidence. The club’s scouting team is working simultaneously on both the outgoing and incoming transfer processes, revealing that Arsenal is managing this potential sale as a controlled game strategy.
Martinelli’s Career Crossroads
Martinelli also finds himself at a crossroads. At 25 years old, he is entering his most productive years on the pitch. Will he stay at Arsenal and fight for his spot in the starting lineup, or will he turn the page to a new club chapter?
Juventus is Serie A’s most storied club. Roma offers a prestigious platform in Italy’s capital. Galatasaray is a Turkish giant regularly competing on the European stage. Each option represents a distinct tactical path.
While Martinelli has yet to receive a formal contract offer from any of the interested clubs, the player is aware of the transfer speculation and is monitoring the situation closely. People close to the winger indicate that should Arsenal confirm their willingness to sell, he will be open to a fresh challenge. This detail is paramount. The player is ready to depart once his parent club confirms he is on the market. The moment Arsenal gives that green light, personal terms negotiations will accelerate rapidly.
Who Can Win This $63.5M Race?
When comparing the financial capacities of Juventus, Roma, and Galatasaray, Juventus stands out as the clear frontrunner in the league. The club best equipped to handle the $63.5 million price tag hails from Turin. However, their insistence on a loan arrangement weakens that tactical advantage.
Roma will push to drive the price down, while Galatasaray remains tethered to the Leão scenario. Taking these factors into account, the club that can meet Arsenal’s desired valuation and structure the fastest will win this transfer match.
Gabriel Martinelli represents one of the most captivating Premier League exit dossiers of this summer window. Three suitors, one price, one condition. The race is on.
