Arsenal’s Premier League title ambitions may come at a cost. As the Gunners edge closer to ending their 20-year wait for domestic glory, whispers of a potential departure are growing louder around one of their most decorated players.
The man in focus is Gabriel Martinelli, the Brazilian winger whose reduced playing time this season has raised eyebrows among observers and teammates alike. With just ten Premier League starts this campaign—despite his 298 appearances for the club since 2019—Martinelli may soon demand a move to secure regular football.
Why a title win could seal Martinelli’s Arsenal exit
According to former Arsenal defender Mikaël Silvestre, a Premier League triumph might accelerate the Brazilian’s decision to pursue new horizons. The 22-time international has been deployed primarily as a substitute in recent months, trailing behind rivals like Leandro Trossard in minutes played. Silvestre suggests that timing could be everything for Martinelli.
« A title with Arsenal would be the perfect moment for Gabriel to move on, » the pundit explained. « He’s a world-class player who deserves to start week-in, week-out. If he can’t get that here, he’ll look elsewhere—especially now that he’s proven he can deliver at the highest level. »
Arsenal’s summer squad overhaul begins?
The potential exit of a homegrown talent like Martinelli would force Arsenal into action this summer. The club has already been linked with Paris Saint-Germain’s Bradley Barcola, a 22-year-old winger whose dazzling dribbling and creativity have caught the eye of multiple top European sides.
Silvestre believes Barcola could step into Martinelli’s shoes, though he acknowledges the young Frenchman still has room for improvement. « Barcola is electric in one-on-one situations and creates havoc in the final third, » Silvestre noted. « His finishing needs refinement, but his overall impact is undeniable. If he tightens up his end product, he could become a complete forward. »
Title race tightens as Gunners chase history
Arsenal currently lead the Premier League by two points with just two games remaining. Their final fixtures against relegated Burnley and Crystal Palace present a golden opportunity to secure the club’s first league title since 2004. Meanwhile, title rivals Manchester City face a daunting run-in, needing to overcome Bournemouth and Aston Villa to retain their crown.
Should Arsenal succeed, the club’s hierarchy may opt for a summer spending spree to address Martinelli’s potential absence and bolster Arteta’s squad ahead of next season.
