Gabriel Martinelli’s future at Arsenal remains uncertain as the Gunners continue their pursuit of Real Madrid star Rodrygo.
Arsenal have been in the market for the forwards this summer, and a new winger has been high on their list alongside a striker.
The Gunners though have yet to sign any forwards yet with goalkeeper Kepa from Chelsea there only confirmed summer arrival.
Brentford captain Christian Norgaard and Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi are expected to join Kepa at the Emirates.
According to Ben Jacobs, who was talking to talkSPORT, (3 July) Saudi Arabia club Al-Nassr are deciding whether to put in a bid for Martinelli, which could open the door for Arsenal to move for Rodrygo.
Jacobs said: “There’s a difference between what Al-Nassr are prepared to spend and any kind of bid so the first thing to say is the player in question is Gabriel Martinelli.
“Arsenal haven’t had any Saudi approach and they don’t want to sell, but at the right number they may change their mind and if that number is 85 million euros then Arsenal can suddenly fund Rodrygo should he choose to leave Real Madrid.
“Even with Rodrygo there is no clarity yet as its all about the Club World Cup and Rodrygo will only speak to Real Madrid after the tournament even though my understanding is that Real are prepared to sell for 90 million euros.”
The Brazilian has also had interest from Bayern Munich, but a bid from Al-Nassr could come down to Liverpool’s stance of Luis Diaz.
Jacobs said: “Saudi clubs are in a very unique position and when they want to spend a large amount of money they have to go to the central funding and request permission to bid if they are to use central funds.
“At the moment all that’s happened is Al-Nassr have said we want 85 million in central funds, whether that is on Gabriel Martinelli and all of it, or Luis Diaz who’s there top target, but Liverpool don’t want to sell and Barcelona and Bayern have been told that directly.
“It is one to watch and if it is on Martinelli because Luis Diaz is not available then our Arsenal going to change their not for sale stance knowing a Martinelli exit could potentially, if the bid is that high, fund a move for Rodrygo.”
Martinelli looks set to be Arsenal’s big departure this summer, if the club are faced with a bid for the 24-year-old.
The financial might of Saudi Arabia can tempt any club into a sale for any player and the opportunity to play alongside Cristiano Ronaldo may also be a factor in Martinelli’s decision.
Arsenal’s most expensive departure remains Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain to Liverpool in 2017 for less than £40m, but that could be smashed in this window.
Rodrygo would be a big signing for Arsenal, but letting go of Martinelli would also be a blow.
Martinelli’s departure may not just rest with Al-Nassr and their pursuit of Liverpool’s Diaz, but also whether the Gunners can sign a striker.
A deal for Gyokeres looks to be getting closer, and that could open the door for Martinelli to depart.
Rodrygo waiting for Real Madrid and their Club World Cup tournament to end means a deal may have to wait a couple more weeks, with the competition not ending until July 13th.
Also 24, Rodrygo does have greater pedigree for this age than Martinelli with two Champions League winners medals and three La Liga titles amongst his extensive trophy cabinet.
He has already appeared over 200 times for the Spanish giants and has been a key player for the club even with their array of attacking options.
Rodrygo would become an even more important player at Arsenal, and if Arteta can get a deal for Gyokeres over the line, the Gunners would have one of the league’s most dangerous attack’s with Bukayo Saka occupying the right flank.
