Arsenal entertained the idea of selling Gabriel Martinelli for £60 million during the summer due to concerns over his form. Despite this, no offers matched their valuation, and they kept him. They also signed Eberechi Eze, increasing competition in the attacking positions. Leandro Trossard, initially linked with a move away, stayed and received a pay rise.
Arsenal considered parting ways with Brazilian forward Gabriel Martinelli during the summer transfer window, setting a £60 million price tag on the player, according to reports from Daily Mail. The decision stemmed from Martinelli's perceived average performance during the 2024/25 season, where he contributed 16 goals across all competitions. This led to speculation about his future at the club, although no concrete offers matching Arsenal's valuation materialized.
The Gunners were reportedly seeking £60 million for the Ituano graduate, but the highest bid they received was around £40 million. Unwilling to accept a lower fee, Arsenal opted to retain Martinelli's services. This decision mirrored their stance on Leandro Trossard, who was also subject to transfer speculation but ultimately stayed at the club and received a pay rise.
Despite keeping both Martinelli and Trossard, Arsenal bolstered their attacking options by signing Eberechi Eze. Eze, primarily an attacking midfielder, is also capable of playing on the left wing, thus providing competition for Martinelli and Trossard. Eze's arrival is expected to inject fresh impetus into Arsenal's attacking play and keep the existing players on their toes.
Martinelli's 2024/25 season, while not disastrous, didn't quite hit the heights expected of him. After a promising breakthrough season, his form somewhat plateaued, leading to concerns about his consistency and overall impact on the team. While he possesses undeniable talent and potential, Arsenal's management believed that a substantial offer would be worth considering, especially with the emergence of other promising players within the squad.
The £60 million valuation reflected Arsenal's belief in Martinelli's potential resale value and his importance to the team. However, the lack of concrete offers at that price indicated that other clubs weren't as convinced, possibly due to his recent form or concerns about his adaptability to different playing styles.
Leandro Trossard, on the other hand, experienced a different trajectory. Initially linked with a move away from the Emirates, the Belgian winger impressed sufficiently to warrant a stay and a subsequent pay rise. His versatility and work ethic endeared him to the coaching staff, making him a valuable asset to the squad.
Eberechi Eze's arrival adds a new dimension to Arsenal's attacking lineup. Known for his dribbling skills, creativity, and eye for goal, Eze is expected to challenge Martinelli and Trossard for a starting spot on the left wing. His ability to play in multiple positions further enhances his value to the team, providing tactical flexibility for the manager.
The competition for places in Arsenal's attack is now fiercer than ever. With Martinelli, Trossard, and Eze vying for the same position, each player will need to perform at their best to secure a regular starting role. This internal competition is expected to benefit the team as a whole, driving up the overall performance level and creating a more dynamic and unpredictable attacking force.
Ultimately, Arsenal's decision to retain Martinelli, coupled with the arrival of Eze, indicates a commitment to strengthening their squad and building a team capable of competing for major honors. The coming season promises to be an exciting one for Arsenal fans, with a wealth of attacking talent at the manager's disposal.