According to Fabrizio Romano, Arsenal forward Gabriel Martinelli was a “serious target” for Bayern Munich before signing Liverpool’s Luis Diaz.
Martinelli joined Arsenal in 2019 from Minnow Ituano in Brazil for around £5 million.
He enjoyed his breakout year in 2022/23, scoring 15 goals in the Premier League, but has since struggled to establish himself as one of Europe’s leading wingers.
The 24-year-old managed six goals in 35 league matches in 2023/24, finishing his final term with eight goals and four assists.
Mikel Arteta’s position at Starting XI is under real threat after Ebere Eze arrives from Crystal Palace.
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Martinelli’s play becomes predictable, and as a result his output suffers, and Eze offers something completely different.
England International adds creativity and unpredictability to Arteta’s attacks, but Nonimadueke enjoys a promising life at Arsenal.
Madueke scored his first England goal against Serbia on Tuesday, undoubtedly Arsenal’s best player in a 1-0 loss at Liverpool.
The right side is more comfortable, but the former Chelsea man can also play on the left, realistically bouncing Martinelli in the foreword.
He was interested in Martinelli during the summer transfer period and linked before Bayern Munich chose to sign Diaz.
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Signing the left was a top priority for the Bundesliga champions who explored several options. It cast some doubts on the seriousness of their interest in Martinelli, but Romano revealed it was authentic.
Transfer experts argue Bayern’s interest is “serious” and that Martinelli’s agent is having a “positive conversation” with the German giants.
“The other player considered Bayern’s target for Winger’s position is Gabriel Martinelli,” Romano told her YouTube channel.
“Bayern spoke to Gabriel Martinelli’s agent, which was a positive conversation, but Gabriel Martinelli was very pleased with Arsenal and Arsenal had no intention of accepting €3035 million.
“To them, players are more valuable, and this is why negotiations never progress. But Gabriel Martinelli was Bayern’s serious target at the beginning of the summer transfer window.
“Again, it didn’t evolve for financial reasons, and because Martinelli feels very comfortable with Arsenal.”
Martinelli’s contract with Emirates will run until 2027 with an additional year of options.
TransferMarkt is currently cherishing him at 55 million euros (£47.5 million) between December 2023 and March 2024.
Arsenal’s exit feels still inevitable in the long run, and will hope that the club will win cash before he enters the final 12 months of his contract.
If Eze and Maduke are impressed, the writing could already be on the wall, and the next summer will be crucial.
