Arsenal are taking the easy way out on Gabriel Martinelli

At Arsenal, comfort can quickly become stagnation. That’s precisely the situation unfolding with Gabriel Martinelli. Despite flashes of brilliance, his development has plateaued over the past two seasons — and Arteta’s squad now risks accepting mediocrity instead of striving for elite excellence.

Martinelli’s Growth Has Stalled

Martinelli remains a supremely talented winger, but recent seasons show signs of stagnation. After scoring 15 Premier League goals in 2022–23, his output dropped to just 14 goals and eight assists across the next two campaigns. His contributions still matter, but inconsistency and predictability are creeping in — he dazzles one game, fades the next.

Arsenal Must Pursue a Top-Class Left Winger

That inconsistency highlights an uncomfortable truth: Arsenal need a top-tier left winger, one who can rival Bukayo Saka on the opposite flank. Enter Rodrygo Goes — Arsenal’s reported “dream” target. With Real Madrid seemingly willing to listen this summer if the player were to formally ask for a transfer out of the Spanish capital (asking price reportedly around £77 million) and Arsenal showing genuine interest, the time has come to act.

Holding Onto Martinelli Makes Sense… For Now

It’s sensible that Arsenal aren’t currently planning to sell Martinelli — he’s under contract, committed, and still capable of starting. Per a report from James Bnge of CBS Sports, Bayern Munich and Al‑Nassr have scouted him, but Bayern aren’t pushing, and Martinelli himself “would NOT be prepared to consider a move to the Saudi Pro League at this stage” . So Arsenal can keep him — but it shouldn’t calm them into complacency.

Don’t Fear Selling—Reinvest for Progress

Here’s the catch: if a strong offer arrives, Arsenal shouldn’t reflexively say no. They can—and should—sell Martinelli if it allows them to upgrade. The money raised could be redirected to a more consistent, dynamic winger who can deliver week-in, week-out. A calculated sale today could mean elevation tomorrow — and that’s exactly what Arsenal need.

Depth Over Comfort

Some fans worry that selling Martinelli leaves the squad shallow. But the modern game demands rotation, depth, and adaptability. The left winger alternatives — Leandro Trossard, Gabriel Jesus — can provide cover. Meanwhile, signing someone like Rodrygo adds genuine quality, not just quantity.

Final Word: Arsenal are at a crossroads. Keeping Martinelli is the easy route — no drama, no disruption. But greatness demands boldness. Selling a talented yet inconsistent player to fund a superior, more reliable winger isn’t surrender — it’s strategy. Don’t settle for stagnation. Arsenal must seize the chance to evolve.