Massive transfer offer should make Arsenal’s Gabriel Martinelli decision obvious

When a club like Al-Nassr waves a reported €85 million in front of your face for a player who has plateaued in development, it’s hard not to listen. According to multiple sources, the Saudi Pro League giants are seriously interested in Arsenal’s Gabriel Martinelli, and while Arsenal aren’t actively looking to sell, the size of the offer may cause some internal reconsideration.

And frankly, it should.

Martinelli is talented — but he’s plateaued

There’s no denying that Gabriel Martinelli is a talented player. He’s been a fan favorite at Arsenal for years and has delivered some electrifying moments on the left wing. But the harsh truth is that his development has stalled over the past two seasons. Once tipped to become one of the world’s best left wingers, Martinelli hasn’t hit those heights — or even looked close — in quite some time.

He struggles in tight spaces, lacks elite decision-making in the final third, and doesn’t offer the consistent end product required of a forward in a title-challenging team. In a side where Bukayo Saka, Martin Ødegaard, and even Kai Havertz are showing clear growth, Martinelli feels like a passenger too often.

Rodrygo would be a massive upgrade — and maybe even cheaper

This is where the decision becomes obvious. If Arsenal are offered €85 million for Martinelli, as Give Me Sport’s Ben Jacobs reports, and Real Madrid’s Rodrygo Goes becomes available for a similar or even lower price, the choice is clear. Rodrygo is a Champions League-proven winger with superior technical ability, movement, and tactical intelligence.

He is better on and off the ball, has shown more consistent finishing in bigger games, and is simply more versatile — he can operate on either wing or as a false nine. His footballing IQ is levels above Martinelli’s, and that matters in a Mikel Arteta system that demands precision and efficiency in every attacking move.

To put it simply: Rodrygo is what Arsenal fans hope Martinelli becomes. So why wait and hope when you can upgrade now?

€85 million is a massive overpay Arsenal can’t ignore

Let’s be blunt. Gabriel Martinelli is not worth €85 million. Arsenal would never get that amount from a European club — not even close. If a player of his profile is drawing that kind of fee, it’s only because a club like Al-Nassr is looking to make a splash.

That’s not a criticism of Martinelli, but rather a reflection of the inflated Saudi market. Arsenal would be wise to take advantage. It’s not often you get a chance to sell a rotational winger at an inflated premium and reinvest those funds into an instant first-team upgrade.

Would Martinelli even want to leave?

Here’s the sticking point: Would Martinelli actually agree to the move?

He’s just 24, has years ahead of him at the highest level, and has always seemed committed to Arsenal and the Premier League. Moving to the Saudi Pro League at this stage of his career might seem like a step down in terms of ambition, even if the financial package is eye-watering.

Then again, Jhon Durán, also in his early 20s, made that jump, as did Gabri Veiga. If the personal terms are right and he feels his place at Arsenal is under threat, it’s not entirely out of the question.

Arsenal should take the deal — and aim higher

Ultimately, this is a rare market opportunity. Arsenal could sell a player who no longer feels indispensable and turn that money into a legitimate game-changer. If they play their cards right, they could go from Martinelli to Rodrygo — or someone of a similar caliber — and become true Premier League and Champions League contenders.

The decision might seem harsh, but it’s obvious: cash in, and level up.