Arsenal, leading the Premier League, owes much to the squad depth manager Mikel Arteta insisted on before the season. However, an unexpected transfer involving Gabriel Martinelli could define their January window.
Gabriel Martinelli May Leave Arsenal for Fenerbahçe
Recent reports suggest Martinelli could soon leave the Gunners. Although the 24-year-old winger has started just five Premier League matches this season, his strong performances in the Champions League, scoring in all five appearances, have kept him in the spotlight.
Martinelli is the first Arsenal player ever to score in five straight Champions League matches, helping put the team on track for the round of 16. Despite his impact, journalist Sercan Hamzaoğlu reports that Arteta may approve a January sale, with Fenerbahçe having received an offer.
🚨 Gabriel Martinelli has been made available for transfer by Arsenal, who plan to offer the Brazil international to Turkish giants Fenerbahçe.
(Source: @sercanhamzaolu) pic.twitter.com/jJW2TK3BM7
— Transfer News Live (@DeadlineDayLive) December 23, 2025
While it seems unlikely that Arsenal will let Martinelli leave mid-season, several clubs would jump at the chance to sign him if the opportunity arose; Bayern Munich, in particular, has long pursued the Brazilian, currently valued at €45 million (or $53 million).
Although the striker is not a regular starter for the Gunners and his playing time has decreased since Eberechi Eze’s arrival in the summer of 2025, the Brazilian remains highly valued by Arteta. During the season, Arteta also emphasized the importance of utilizing “finishers” in modern football, players who can come off the bench to secure a victory or decide a game.
Martinelli Is Decisive for the Gunners in Midfield
The Gunners need all the quality players they can get as they battle for the Premier League and Champions League titles. Martinelli, in particular, has repeatedly proven that he can be decisive at crucial moments for his team. The Brazilian has a contract valid until 2027, with an option to extend it for another year.
Martinelli, a left winger/wingback, exploits space with runs from the left and creates danger in quick transitions. He thrives in systems that mix possession with vertical play. He is one of Arsenal’s fastest and most explosive players, and his ability to accelerate and outrun defenders makes him a major threat in the spaces behind the defensive line.
In games against more defensively minded teams, Arsenal opts to maintain more controlled possession for Martinelli to create combinations through the middle, with the aim of freeing up space for his teammates to move into.
Arsenal faces Brighton and Aston Villa before closing out 2025 in the Premier League. They also face a challenge against Crystal Palace in the EFL Cup quarterfinals. All three games will be played at Emirates Stadium.
