Galatasaray turn to Arsenal winger Gabriel Martinelli after Rafael Leao talks stall

Arsenal winger Gabriel Martinelli is close to leaving the club during the current summer transfer window, with Turkish champions Galatasaray understood to have asked about the possibility of signing him.

The report, published by The Sun, says Martinelli could follow his former Arsenal team-mate Leandro Trossard to the Turkish Super Lig. Trossard has joined Besiktas on a three-year contract.

Galatasaray have made Martinelli an alternative target after negotiations with Rafael Leao, the AC Milan winger, stalled. The Turkish champions had been trying to bring Leao to the club but are now considering Martinelli if they cannot persuade the Portugal international to move to Istanbul.

No agreement for Martinelli has been reported, but Galatasaray’s interest adds to uncertainty over the Brazilian’s future at Arsenal as the club continue to reshape their squad ahead of the new campaign.

Arsenal attempted to sign Vinicius Junior during the summer, but the player subsequently extended his contract with Real Madrid until 2032. The Premier League club have also added Greek winger Christos Tzolis from Club Brugge.

There is further competition for places on the left wing at Emirates Stadium, with Eberechi Eze also part of Arsenal’s options after joining the Gunners from Crystal Palace last season.

Arsenal are interested in Paris Saint-Germain winger Bradley Barcola as well, although they face competition from Liverpool for the France international. The interest in Barcola comes as Arsenal assess their attacking options, with Martinelli potentially heading for the exit.

The Gunners have already completed a major midfield signing this summer by bringing in Bruno Guimaraes from Newcastle United in a deal worth £75m.

Arsenal will begin their season against Manchester City in the Community Shield on Sunday. Their Premier League campaign will then start with a match against newly promoted Coventry City at Emirates Stadium.

They will be seeking to retain the title they won last season, ending a 22-year wait for the championship. The club’s summer recruitment and the possible departure of Martinelli are therefore taking place as Mikel Arteta’s side prepare for the opening fixtures of their title defence.

Martinelli joined Arsenal from Brazilian club Ituano in 2019 and has established himself as an important attacking player for the London club. However, the arrival of new wide players and the club’s interest in further additions could influence his role in the squad.

For Galatasaray, the Brazilian would represent a possible solution if their pursuit of Leao cannot be revived. The Turkish champions are now monitoring the situation, with Martinelli positioned as a fallback option while the club considers its next move in the transfer market.