Turkish side Galatasaray have made an official inquiry to Arsenal regarding a potential transfer of 25-year-old winger Gabriel Martinelli.
According to Football.London and talkSPORT, the Turkish champions have turned their attention to the Brazilian after negotiations with AC Milan for Rafael Leao hit a standstill.
Martinelli's position in London has become less secure following Arsenal's activity in the transfer market. Leandro Trossard has recently moved to Besiktas, and Arsenal replaced him with left winger Christos Tzolis from Brugge for £34 million, who has already made a significant impression during the pre-season tour.
Mikel Arteta's stance and deal conditions
- Player plans: At the moment, Mikel Arteta considers Gabriel as an important part of the squad and is in no hurry to part ways with him.
- Sale conditions: Arsenal will only approve Martinelli's departure if they manage to secure a deal for another elite wide forward (the club has previously shown interest in Vinicius Junior).
- Contract situation: The player is in the final year of his current contract, but Arsenal have the option to automatically extend for another season, so the Londoners are legally protected.
Selling the Brazilian before finding a guaranteed high-level replacement is seen as an unjustifiable risk for the coaching staff, hence Martinelli's departure may only come via exceptional offers from the Turkish side.
