Published Aug 12, 2026, 5:51 PM GMT+1

Emilio is an experienced football journalist who has worked at Football FanCast for over six years, specialising in transfer analysis, Premier League reporting and the business of football.
 

After graduating with first-class honours from the University of Central Lancashire in 2019, it didn't take long for Emilio to begin his journalism career at Snack Media, now Valnet.
 

Emilio has a particular interest in football finance, recruitment and the business behind the modern game. In his spare time, you can find Emilio travelling the world, or even in a boxing ring.

The Brazilian has been part of Arsenal's first team for seven years, but his place in Mikel Arteta's long-term plans has been up in the air for some time.

Martinelli arrived from Ituano in 2019 as a teenager with only a handful of senior matches behind him, but he quickly won over supporters with his speed and direct running.

His finest Premier League campaign came in 22/23, when he scored 15 times as Arsenal pushed Man City in one of multiple hair-raising title races with the Sky Blues.

He contributed last season too, with Martinelli making 53 appearances in all competitions, scoring 11 goals and providing seven assists.

However, only one of those goals came in 30 Premier League outings, with the winger playing just 1,073 minutes in the competition.

His strongest work came in Europe. Martinelli struck six times in 14 Champions League appearances and became the first Arsenal player to score in five consecutive matches in the European Cup or Champions League.

He also claimed the first senior hat trick of his career against Portsmouth in the FA Cup.

Those moments showed his value. However, reduced league minutes have left doubts over whether he will remain a regular starter during their title defence.

The arrival of Christos Tzolis from Club Brugge has added another natural option on the left. Leandro Trossard has departed, but Arsenal continue to target expensive wide attackers after missing out on Real Madrid superstar Vini Jr.

Martinelli's contract also matters, with his guaranteed deal running until June 2027, although Arsenal hold an option for another year.

That protection means Andrea Berta does not have to accept the first attractive proposal placed in front of him, but Galatasaray have now made their move.

Galatasaray make 'official' offer for Arsenal star Gabriel Martinelli

Sky Germany reporter Florian Plettenberg claims the Turkish champions submitted an official bid worth roughly £39 million 'today' for the Brazil international.

The proposal is with Arsenal, while Martinelli has reportedly become Galatasaray's leading transfer target.

Previous reports had suggested the Istanbul club were exploring a move after also showing interest in AC Milan winger Rafael Leão. What began as an enquiry has developed quickly into a concrete attempt to sign the 25-year-old.

The fee will still demand consideration, as it would represent a substantial return on the modest sum Arsenal paid Ituano and would be among the biggest sales in the club's history.

Selling him would also carry risk. Arsenal have already lost Trossard this summer, while Martinelli's pace gives Arteta a different weapon against teams defending with a high line.

Galatasaray can offer Champions League football, a leading role and the chance to play alongside Victor Osimhen. Arsenal can offer a Premier League title defence and familiarity after seven years in north London.

The next decision belongs to Arsenal, but Martinelli's own view could ultimately determine how far the deal travels.