Bayern Munich are ‘discussing’ a summer transfer move for Arsenal winger Gabriel Martinelli, according to reports in Germany.
Martinelli has made 225 appearances for Arsenal since joining in a £6m move from Brazilian side Ituano in 2019.
The Brazil international has played at least 40 games in each of the last three seasons for an Arsenal side that have come desperately close to winning the Premier League.
Arsenal’s pursuit of a new winger has raised doubt over Martinelli’s future at the club.
The Gunners were said to be ‘dreaming’ of signing Nico Williams before he agreed a deal with Barcelona and have also been linked with Real Madrid’s Rodrygo and Chelsea’s Noni Madueke.
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The arrival of a new winger would certainly harm Martinelli’s game-time at the Emirates Stadium, with Bukayo Saka a lock-in on the other wing.
Interest in Martinelli has come in the form of Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich, who have expressed interest in a move, according to BILD.
Vincent Kompany is keen to bolster his options on the flanks after Germany international Leroy Sane left Bayern to join Galatasaray on a free transfer.
But Arsenal handed Martinelli a contract extension until 2027 earlier this year so are in a strong negotiating position and would want at least £50m to sell, according to The Athletic.
Martinelli, meanwhile, is said to be hoping to extend his stay in north London, having declared his ‘love’ for Arsenal back in April.
‘This is my home,’ he said. ‘I love to be here. I love the club.’
Reports in Germany say Bayern Munich are also admirers of Liverpool duo Luis Diaz and Cody Gakpo.
Diaz was heavily linked with a move to Barcelona before the La Liga champions prioritised a deal for Athletic Bilbao star Williams.
Barca also registered interest in Martinelli – and Manchester United outcast Marcus Rashford – before focussing their efforts on Euro 2024 winner Williams.
In an exclusive interview with Metro, Arsenal legend Nigel Winterburn suggested Martinelli could be sold this summer after an ‘erratic’ season for his beloved Gunners.
‘He definitely needs to get back to the consistent levels of performance that we’ve seen in the past that we know he can produce,’ he said.
‘However, it wouldn’t surprise me, if I’m honest, if Arsenal brought someone in on that left-hand side to be a challenge and eventually replace Martinelli next season.’
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