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Gabriel Martinelli's Arsenal future could depend on what happens with Rafael Leão

AC Milan v FC Internazionale - Pre-Season Friendly
AC Milan v FC Internazionale - Pre-Season Friendly | Giuseppe Cottini/GettyImages

Arsenal winger Gabriel Martinelli is on Galatasaray's shortlist for players in that position should they fail to acquire the services of Rafael Leão this summer, according to a report from Gianluca Di Marzio.

Di Marzio also says that before agreeing to a sale, Arsenal would need to find a player to replace Martinelli, which would be even more important now that they cannot sign Vinícius Júnior.

Vinícius Júnior has renewed his contract at Real Madrid for a further six seasons, which makes him unattainable throughout the prime of his career.

This means Arsenal would need to move on to other targets if they want to strengthen their attack in this transfer window. Even though there are some players available for them to sign, it is still not confirmed whether they will actually go for them.

They have signed Christos Tzolis from Club Brugge earlier this summer, and with Martinelli, they have two decent wingers to start the season.

However, they would want a star to be playing alongside Bukayo Saka and Viktor Gyokeres. If it cannot be Vinícius Júnior, they might have to try to get someone else.

Galatasaray would only go for Gabriel Martinelli if they cannot sign Leao, which could mean...

It is very interesting to see what the report says. Galatasaray would only sign Martinelli if they cannot sign Leão.

Leão, if he is still available, might be someone who can be of interest to Arsenal as well. He may not be touted the same way as he was when he first burst onto the scene, but Leão is still a very good option for Arsenal if they want to sign a winger this summer.

He has not posted great statistics in the last season, but the environment definitely helps. If he is playing for Arsenal, who have just won the Premier League, he would likely play better and more consistently as well.

If Galatasaray are not able to sign Leão and want Martinelli as a replacement, Arsenal could look to sign Leão and sell Martinelli to Galatasaray. Everyone gets what they want.

Obviously, it is easier said than done, but if Bradley Barcola is going to Liverpool later this summer, the next best star option at left wing that is available is Leão.

There is a big difference between Leão and Barcola’s performances in the last couple of seasons, but there is no doubt about Leão’s talent. If he is able to have a good environment around him, Arsenal may not have to look further than Galatasaray’s primary target after all.

Leão is only 27, so he is entering his prime, especially physically, which strengthens his case if he wants to join Arsenal. Arsenal want a win-now player, and if Leão is able to get his consistency back on track, he could become that for the North London club.

It remains to be seen whether Galatasaray actually move for Martinelli, because if they are able to sign Leão, then this entire situation becomes irrelevant.

Galatasaray could be a good spot for consistent minutes for Gabriel Martinelli

Speaking strictly for the player, it would be a decent move for Martinelli if he decides to go.

The Brazilian needs game time to improve, and the Turkish league could be a good way for him to gain consistency at one of the top clubs in the country.

He would be able to play alongside Victor Osimhen and form a strong partnership with the Nigerian striker.

It would be a good move for Martinelli if it goes through, as he will get a lot of game-time, which is needed heavily for his development.

It would open up space for Arsenal to go for the star they have wanted on the left wing all summer.

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