Gabriel Martinelli during his time at Arsenal, highlighting his current transfer situation and valuation by the club. Credit: FootballTransfers.com
Credit: Credit: FootballTransfers.com
Gabriel Martinelli’s Arsenal future remains uncertain as AC Milan consider a January 2026 move, with the Brazilian winger valued at £60 million despite declining form since his breakout 2022/23 season.
Gabriel Martinelli’s Arsenal Future in Doubt as AC Milan Eye January Move
Gabriel Martinelli’s position at Arsenal has become increasingly precarious, with European giants AC Milan reportedly considering a January 2026 move for the Brazilian winger as a potential replacement for Rafael Leão. Arsenal’s new sporting director Andrea Berta has reassessed Martinelli’s role within the squad, balancing both sporting contributions and financial considerations after the player’s noticeable decline in form over the past two seasons following his impressive 15-goal Premier League campaign in 2022/23.
The Gunners placed a firm £60 million valuation on Martinelli during the 2025 summer transfer window, but interest from potential buyers peaked at approximately £40 million, creating a significant gap that prevented any deal from materializing. Despite this transfer speculation, manager Mikel Arteta publicly affirmed the player’s importance, stating: “Gabi has been a super important player for us and he’s going to remain very, very, very important,” while emphasizing the need for squad balance and internal competition to meet varying tactical demands.
Arsenal’s summer recruitment of Noni Madueke and Eberechi Eze has intensified competition for attacking positions, with Eze providing particular versatility across left wing and midfield roles that directly impacts Martinelli’s playing opportunities. The club’s willingness to listen to offers reflects their strategic approach to squad optimization, though no official sale announcement has been made and their stance remains discreet rather than actively pushing for a departure.
AC Milan’s interest appears contingent on Rafael Leão’s potential January departure, creating a domino effect that could determine the timing and seriousness of any approach for Martinelli. The Italian giants view the Arsenal winger as a suitable replacement, though no concrete bid has materialized and the financial gap between Arsenal’s asking price and market interest remains substantial, with competing clubs showing limited or undisclosed interest beyond Milan’s reported pursuit.
Martinelli’s contract security until June 2027, with an optional additional year, provides Arsenal with significant leverage in any future negotiations while protecting their asset value. However, the January transfer window presents the next realistic opportunity for movement, particularly if valuation conditions improve or market dynamics shift, though the player’s personal preferences and concrete negotiation timelines remain unconfirmed, leaving his long-term future at the Emirates genuinely uncertain.
