Arsenal are set for a busy transfer window with a number of new recruits expected to arrive at the Emirates. But there could be departures too and Gabriel Martinelli is the latest to be linked with a move away from the club.
The 20-year-old has enjoyed a breakthrough season under Mikel Arteta, scoring six goals and providing six assists in 29 Premier League matches as Arsenal secured their return to European football. With the Europa League around the corner, the manager will be looking to bolster the depth of his side rather than cash in on one of his most prized assets.
Martinelli’s contract at Arsenal runs until the summer of 2024 and any bid for him would have to be a significant one to prize him away from north London. Back in March Arteta spoke of his excitement at the player he could become in the future.
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“He’s shown big signs of where he’s moving. His contribution all-round in his game has been exceptional,” he told a press conference ahead of the Leicester clash in north London. “He certainly has the capacity to score goals and be a threat. His contribution and all-around game has been exceptional.”
But according to a report from Calcio Mercato, Arsenal are set to be hit by an offer from Juventus for Martinelli’s services. He is not the first player to be targeted by the Bianconeri with Gabriel Magalhaes also reportedly on their radar.
Juventus appear to be aware of just how costly a deal for Martinelli could be, however. According to the latest report they plan to offer Arsenal the services of former target Arthur Melo as part of the offer, with midfield a priority area for Arteta this summer.
The Gunners tried to sign Arthur during the January window but could not get a deal over the line. But the former Barcelona ace is someone with plenty of pedigree, with Catalan legend Xavi even comparing himself to the Brazilian.
“I see myself when I see Arthur on television,” he told Catalunya Radio back in 2018. “He is a very quick thinker. He has a natural talent, but most of all, he has a lot of room to improve through training.
“Arthur is already a mature player and I see that he has massive untapped potential. The priority during any match is to never lose the ball and he comes out of a tricky situation with ease. He has a strong personality already.”
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