Berta Hands £75m-Rated Arsenal Star One Last Season to Prove His Worth

Arsenal have been one of the busiest clubs in the summer transfer market so far, with six new signings already through the door. Yet, apart from Nuno Tavares and a few free transfers, the outgoing list remains surprisingly short.

Behind the scenes, sporting director Andrea Berta knows player sales are essential – not only to raise funds but also to free up space in Mikel Arteta’s squad. However, one decision has already been made: Gabriel Martinelli will not be leaving this summer.

Why Arsenal Are Keeping Martinelli

According to Sami Mokbel, the Gunners have decided to hold on to the Brazilian winger for at least one more season. The reasoning is simple – no club is willing to match Arsenal’s current valuation of around £75 million. Rather than sell him for less than they believe he’s worth, the club will give him another year to find his best form.

If he succeeds, Arsenal will either retain him as a core player or, if the right offer comes in, cash in at a far higher price than they could now.

The Martinelli Problem

On his day, Martinelli can be unplayable. Jurgen Klopp once hailed him as the “talent of the century”, and in the 2022/23 season, he delivered the kind of output that justified that praise. However, over the past two years, his performances have dipped noticeably.

The issues are twofold:

A lack of goals – Martinelli hasn’t been as clinical in the final third. A drop in creativity – both in creating chances for himself and for teammates.

This has left some Arsenal fans frustrated and prompted links to other wide players, including Real Madrid’s Rodrygo.

Could Eberechi Eze Be the Solution?

One intriguing possibility being discussed is Eberechi Eze. While the Crystal Palace star spent most of last season in central areas, he is no stranger to operating from the left flank. If Arteta were to start him in Martinelli’s position, Eze’s ability to both score and create could offer Arsenal a different attacking dynamic.

Given Martinelli’s inconsistency in recent seasons, many believe Eze could outperform him in that role.

A Make-or-Break Season

This upcoming campaign could be career-defining for Martinelli at Arsenal. If he can rediscover the form of 2022/23, strike up a productive partnership with new striker Viktor Gyokeres, and become a consistent attacking threat again, he will reaffirm his value as one of the Gunners’ most important players.

If not, Berta and Arteta may have no choice but to cash in next summer.

For now, Martinelli still has Arsenal’s backing. But in football, patience has limits – and the Brazilian has one season to prove he’s still worth the hype.