Why Arsenal didn't sell star after suitors offered £40m, they wanted him gone at the start of the window

Arsenal were open to selling attacking midfielder Gabriel Martinelli at the start of the summer transfer window, according to the Daily Mail.

However, they had valued the Gunners star at more than £60 million, and interest in him was only reaching the £40m mark.

As a result, Arsenal opted against pushing to sell him to avoid a long-running saga.

Martinelli notched 15 goals and six assists in 36 Premier League games during his breakthrough campaign – 2022-23 – but he has suffered a dip in form since then.

The 24-year-old ended 2023-24 with eight goals and five assists in 44 appearances, while he bagged ten goals and six assists in 51 games last term.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has since bolstered his attack by signing Eberechi Eze and Noni Madueke, and he will hope fierce competition will help bring the best out of Martinelli again.

Bayern Munich were one of the clubs interested in signing the South American winger, but it is unknown whether they made any serious attempts.

Arsenal were unlikely to get over £40m for Martinelli despite his quality, and he will now look to start firing on all cylinders and improve himself.

He is out of a deal in 2027, but Arsenal hold an option for an additional year.

There have been no significant talks held over a contract extension for him, and his performances this term will be key to his future.

They could look to sell him again next summer if he fails to improve, and his valuation could dip further as suitors will not be willing to offer much for a player running out of contract.

Martinelli has started two of the three games Arsenal have played so far in 2025-26, and he needs to start delivering the goods as he has yet to score or assist.

The post Why Arsenal didn't sell star after suitors offered £40m, they wanted him gone at the start of the window first appeared on ArsenalNews.co.uk.