Arsenal has made a final decision regarding their Brazilian key player

Coach Mikel Arteta has denied the speculation about Gabriel Martinelli departing Arsenal before the end of the summer transfer period.

As the summer transfer window nears its conclusion, rumors about Gabriel Martinelli’s future have unexpectedly resurfaced. However, Coach Mikel Arteta has put all speculation to rest, confirming that the Brazilian forward will remain at Arsenal and continue to play a crucial role at the Emirates this season.

Throughout the summer, Martinelli was reportedly targeted by several clubs from Saudi Arabia. When Arsenal finalized the signing of Eberechi Eze from Crystal Palace last weekend, talk about the 24-year-old’s potential exit intensified. Eze, along with Leandro Trossard, Noni Madueke, and Martinelli, provides Arteta with four high-quality options on the left wing, an area already rich in competition.

However, during the pre-match press conference this weekend, Arteta ended all doubts: “No. I believe Gabi is an extremely important player for us and he will continue to be a very, very, very significant figure. Having multiple options with different qualities is essential because each opponent demands something different. Martinelli is someone we need, not only at the start but also at the finish of the game.”

Arteta’s statement further confirms that Martinelli remains part of the club’s long-term plans. Although he was on the bench in the recent win against Leeds, making way for new signing Noni Madueke, this does not mean his role has diminished. In fact, Arteta now has several alternatives to rotate and maintain competitiveness within the squad.

In the 2023/24 season, Martinelli has scored 8 goals and provided 4 assists in 33 Premier League appearances. This is his second-best performance since joining Arsenal in 2019, only behind his standout 2022/23 season where he scored 15 goals. This highlights the consistency and influence of the Brazilian forward in the Gunners' style of play.

Arteta emphasized that the addition of Eze is not to replace Martinelli but to enhance squad depth and tactical flexibility. “Internal competition is necessary. We need players who can make a difference at key moments. Martinelli fully meets that requirement,” the Spanish coach stated.

With Arteta’s strong declaration, Martinelli is almost certain to remain with Arsenal at least until the end of this season. Fans are now more focused on how Arteta will rotate his forward line with several quality players to keep Arsenal’s ambitions for the Premier League title alive.