Fabrizio Romano has lifted the lid on one turn that Gabriel Martinelli’s future could’ve taken in the summer transfer window.
After the transfer window closed, it was revealed that earlier in the summer, Arsenal were open to selling Martinelli.
The Gunners discarded the idea upon realising that their valuation would not be met, as £40m fees were quoted, while Andrea Berta hoped for a figure closer to £60m.
It’s now on Arsenal to attempt to kickstart Martinelli’s development after three stagnant seasons, with doubt already kicking in regarding whether interest will be there next summer.
Bayern Munich wanted to sign Gabriel Martinelli in the summer transfer window
Arsenal want to reassess Martinelli’s situation next summer, but the Gunners could find themselves wishing they had cashed in earlier.
It’s a great shame that Martinelli is not progressing, not just for Mikel Arteta but also for Stan Kroenke.
Arsenal’s owner will surely realise that the Brazilian’s stock is falling, but that being said, it didn’t deter clubs from showing interest in the summer.
Now that the dust from the summer window has settled, Fabrizio Romano has revealed that Bayern Munich were ‘serious’ about signing Martinelli.
“Martinelli was one of the targets. Bayern also spoke to the agents of Gabriel Martinelli. It was a positive conversation, but Martinelli is very happy at Arsenal,” Romano said on his YouTube channel.
The renowned transfer expert then revealed why Arsenal did not entertain the idea of selling the winger to Bayern.
“Arsenal were showing no intention to accept anything close to €30m, €35m. For them, the player is worth way more, that’s why the negotiation never advanced, but Martinelli was a serious target for Bayern at the beginning of the summer transfer window.
“It didn’t evolve because of financial reasons, and because Martinelli is very comfortable at Arsenal.”
Berta was not satisfied with the fee the Bavarian club were willing to fork out for Martinelli, but their valuation is yet another warning sign to Arsenal about the Brazilian’s future.
Martinelli’s outside valuation is a huge concern
Signed for just £6m from Ituano in 2019, Martinelli’s rise has been tremendous, which is why Arsenal supporters so deeply love him.
It’s also why there’s surely a cause for concern around the player’s form, as Martinelli’s market value has dropped significantly, despite once being astoundingly high.
The valuation that interested clubs have conjured up for the Brazilian winger over the summer is a worry, with Bayern’s valuation starting as low as €30m, which is just £25m.
Other clubs saw the 24-year-old as a £40m player, a fee that is perhaps half of what it was after the 2022/23 season.
Arsenal need to get Martinelli firing again, not just for the player and the squad, but for the sake of his market value, too.
from Arsenal Transfer News | Rumours, Deals & Targets | Arsenal Insider
Rosie Tudball