Arsenal face big decision as European giants submit major bid for Gabriel Martinelli

Arsenal have received an official offer from Galatasaray for winger Gabriel Martinelli, according to Florian Plettenberg.

Martinelli scored just one Premier League goal last term and was largely kept on the periphery of Mikel Arteta's team as they finally ended their wait for silverware. This form, combined with Leandro Trossard's exit, have prompted the Gunners to rethink the left-hand side of their attack.

Christos Tzolis has arrived from Club Brugge for £34 million, ostensibly as a replacement for Leandro Trossard. On top of this, Andrea Berta explored an audacious move for Vinicius Junior earlier this summer.

While the pursuit of the Brazilian superstar failed, Arsenal are still expected to add another left winger to their ranks this summer, leaving Martinelli somewhat surplus to requirements.

Galatasaray bid for Gabriel Martinelli

Martinelli has a year left on his contract at the Emirates, although his deal includes an option for an additional 12 months. This quirk in the contract has allowed Arsenal to react accordingly to how the market falls this summer.

If a new left winger can't be sourced, then they have the option to keep Martinelli and protect the Brazilian as an asset by extending him by a year. However, if a major offer comes in for the 25-year-old, they can then sell him.

According to reputable Sky Sports journalist Plettenberg, that offer has arrived. Galatasaray, famed for throwing money around willy-nilly, have tabled a €45 million (£38 million) proposal for Martinelli.

The former Itunao man is said to be the Turkish club's top transfer priority, hinting that they may be willing to increase their offer if Arsenal push back and play hard ball.

Ultimately, however, the ball is in the Gunners' court, for now.

Arsenal must make Martinelli decision quickly

Galatasaray's offer has given Arsenal a difficult decision to make. Accept the bid and risk having to spend a fortune on a winger that doesn't convince the recruitment team, or reject for now and risk ending up with Martinelli's tenacious but limited endeavours for another season.

The obvious answer for now would be to turn the offer down and wait for an improved bid from Galatasaray. For all his flaws, Martinelli is worth considerably more than £38 million, particularly in a market where players like Anthony Elanga are going for £50 million.

This is a risky strategy as it may prompt Galatasaray to move on to other targets, but based on Plettenberg's report, it appears they have their heart set on the Arsenal man. Even if they can't land him, other clubs have been linked with the pacey wide forward, including Juventus, Roma and Atletico Madrid, and there's no reason why none of these sides wouldn't step up their interest later in the window.

Regardless, Arsenal need to make their decision quickly, so that they can settle their squad heading into the opening weeks of the season.

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