When the transfer window swung open this summer, Arsenal were once again under the spotlight. After three consecutive seasons finishing runners-up in the Premier League, expectations were high that Mikel Arteta and the club’s hierarchy would push aggressively to reshape the squad in their relentless hunt for the title.
And true to form, the Gunners made big moves. The marquee arrival of Viktor Gyökeres immediately grabbed headlines, giving Arsenal the powerful striker they had long been searching for. With his physicality and eye for goal, he is expected to become a central figure in Arteta’s attacking plans.
Alongside him, the addition of versatile defender Piero Hincapié provided much-needed depth and balance at the back.
Both signings were carefully chosen to address areas of weakness, showing that Arsenal were determined to build on their near misses. Several fringe players were also offloaded, streamlining the squad for the challenges ahead.
Yet amid all the excitement, one of the most intriguing sagas of the summer revolved around Gabriel Martinelli. Once a player considered “untouchable” at the Emirates, the Brazilian winger suddenly found his future the subject of serious speculation.
According to reports in the Daily Mail, Arsenal were willing to listen to offers in the region of £60 million. The idea of letting Martinelli go would have been unthinkable only a year or two ago, but his dip in form had clearly shifted the club’s stance.
The problem, however, was valuation. While Arsenal stood firm at their £60 million asking price, potential suitors were unwilling to go beyond £40 million. That gap proved too wide to bridge, and with no club prepared to meet the Gunners’ demands, Martinelli stayed put in North London as the window closed.
This decision could prove to be a defining moment in Martinelli’s career. His blistering pace, sharp dribbling, and direct approach once made him one of the most dangerous young forwards in the Premier League.
But last season told a different story. His output dipped significantly, his consistency waned, and questions began to surface about whether he could still be a long-term cornerstone for Arsenal.
Now, with Gyökeres leading the line and added competition throughout the squad, Martinelli faces a make-or-break campaign. If he can rediscover the spark that first made him a fan favorite, Arsenal’s decision to hold out for their price will look like a masterstroke.
But if he continues to struggle, the next transfer window could reopen the debate, with Arsenal possibly ready to cash in.
For now, the message from the Emirates is clear: the club still believes Martinelli has more to give. The coming months will reveal whether that faith was well-placed—or whether Arsenal missed their chance to move on.
