Arsenal Won’t Sell Their Attacker Who Underperformed In 2024/25 Season: Good Decision? | OneFootball

Arsenal have always been defined by their determination to maintain a young and competitive squad. Since the arrival of Mikel Arteta, the idea of building a solid team with emerging talent has been the basis of their project. Over the last few years, players such as Bukayo Saka, Martin Odegaard and Gabriel Martinelli have become key players. Every season, the fans demand consistency, but also patience with players who are just over 23 or 24 years old. In this situation, any rumours of departures always provoke debate. Now it is the turn of Martinelli, who is once again making headlines and pub talk across London.

Arsenal Won’t Sell Gabriel Martinelli This Summer

LONDON, ENGLAND – MAY 03: Gabriel Martinelli of Arsenal controls the ball during the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and AFC Bournemouth at Emirates Stadium on May 03, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)

According to Football Insider, close sources claim that the club have no intention of letting Gabriel Martinelli leave this summer. The Brazilian attacker has been touted as a possible outcast following reports of the Gunners’ interest in Chelsea attacker Noni Madueke. This speculation set alarm bells ringing as Martinelli has failed to match his numbers from the 2022/23 campaign, when he scored 15 goals and dished out five assists in the league.

Many expected his performances to skyrocket, but injuries and a generally inconsistent team slowed his growth. Even so, the board seems willing to continue to invest in him. Since he arrived in 2019 from Ituano for around £6m, his progression has been remarkable, and his connection with the fans is undeniable.

Opinion:

Giving up on Martinelli now would send a mixed message about the continuity model Arteta has advocated since his arrival. That is why sources quoted by Football Insider stress that his departure is all but ruled out, at least in this summer market. For many, keeping him would be a sign of coherence and support for a project that is still in the making.

From our point of view, the decision to keep Martinelli makes sense and is even common sense. Even if his performances have dropped, it would be rash to discard him. A winger with his speed, aggressiveness and ability to come on at key moments still offers room for growth. Swapping him for Madueke does not guarantee immediate improvement, and Arteta knows that replacing young talent with more young talent does not always solve shortcomings.

Moreover, bowing to the pressure to sell for a one-off slump undermines the confidence players need to explode. Yes, Arsenal need more goals and consistency, but sometimes the answer lies in strengthening what you already have. Martinelli arrived as a virtual unknown and has responded when fit. He can regain his spark. The way we see it, the fans value that commitment. If they sell him, they might regret it in two years when he explodes at another club. Keeping Martinelli sends the right message, that Arsenal still believe in their core and do not give away talent for a market rumour.