FC Bayern Want to buy Gabriel Martinelli

Bayern are clearly in the market for a winger and reports out of Germany have suggested that Martinelli is the latest target. Christian Falk (@fcbayern), Head of Sport at Germany outlet Sport Bild, posted on X that “Bayern are discussing a transfer of Gabriel Martinelli (24) of Arsenal London”. I’m not shocked, I mean they are also apparently exploring transfers for Luis Diaz and/or Cody Gakpo from Liverpool, Nico Williams from Athletic Bilbao, and Jamie Gittens from Borussia Dortmund, so a young, experienced, and rapid Martinelli makes sense. I don’t want to lose Martinelli, and if we are seriously pursuing Rodrygo, then we should pair the two Brazilians together rather than lose him for a Trossard/Rodrygo combination. Martinelli is better than Trossard. Better, younger, has a higher potential, and knows our playing style and role.

It will be interesting to see if Bayern aggressively pursues Martinelli and where he will ultimately rank on their target list. Either way, Arsenal must be savvy in their discussions and assess his true current and future value to the club. I am not acting like Martinelli can’t be sold for the right price. My personal valuation is £75M, including add-ons. I’m even second-guessing that because I’m so convinced Martinelli is going to get a lot better. Especially in a different league that isn’t as physical and fast. If we were to do a deal, that would at least be a strong return on the £6M we paid for him in 2019.

Sure, fans have grown frustrated with Martinelli at times over the last two seasons because he hasn’t become the consistent goal threat to match Saka. He hasn’t yet become the lethal striker that I thought he would be moulding into by now, or the “talent of the century” that Jurgen Klopp proclaimed in 2022. However, this is a player we should hold onto and add competition at the position, so he may one day reach those heights that many thought he would.