Arsenal winger Gabriel Martinelli has turned down Galatasaray’s approach amid growing interest from Serie A giants Roma. According to The Athletic via ForzaRoma, the Brazilian forward has no intention of moving to Turkey at this stage of his career.
Martinelli has just over a year left on his current contract in North London. However, after tumbling down the pecking order, the 25-year-old is desperate to leave the Emirates Stadium, with Arsenal looking to cash in on their wantaway star.
Turkish champions Galatasaray submitted a formal £38.4 million bid for Martinelli earlier this week. Moreover, the Gunners were inclined to accept the Lions’ proposal, only for the player to scupper the deal.
Martinelli’s decision not to join Galatasaray leaves the door open for Roma to step in. Meanwhile, Massimiliano Allegri has also identified the former Ituano starlet as a potential reinforcement for his attack at Napoli.
Our take on Roma & Martinelli
It’s no secret that Roma are keen to sign a new winger this summer. After failing to land Strasbourg’s Diego Moreira and Crysencio Summerville, they’re now eager to lure Martinelli away from Arsenal.
Last season was disappointing for Martinelli, even though he made 30 Premier League appearances as Arsenal won their first league title since 2004. Reduced to playing second fiddle to Leandro Trossard, he accumulated just 11 top-flight starts, scoring one goal.
Therefore, it’s unsurprising that he is looking to cut ties with the Gunners. Despite his recent struggles, Martinelli would definitely be a major coup for Roma.