Gabriel Martinelli has turned down the opportunity to join Galatasaray despite the Turkish champions making a substantial offer for the Arsenal winger.
The 25-year-old Brazilian is not interested in moving to Turkey at this stage of his career, according to the latest reports on Friday. Sky Sports News reporters Gary Cotterill and Florian Plettenberg reported the decision after Galatasaray stepped up their pursuit.
Galatasaray’s proposal is understood to be worth around £38.9 million, but Martinelli’s position presents a major obstacle to any agreement between the clubs.
The development comes despite Arsenal being prepared to consider offers for the Brazil international as they continue reshaping their attacking options this summer.
Martinelli’s contractual situation has also contributed to speculation about his future. He has one year remaining on his Arsenal deal, although the Gunners have an option to extend his contract for another season.
Reports suggest Arsenal would consider selling Martinelli if an acceptable proposal arrived. However, any transfer ultimately requires the player’s approval, and his rejection of Galatasaray means the Istanbul club’s pursuit has suffered a significant setback.
Martinelli’s reluctance to make the move had already been reported before Friday’s update. Recent reports suggested he preferred to remain at Arsenal rather than continue his career in Turkey.
His future has become one of Arsenal’s major transfer talking points as the Premier League champions look to refresh the left side of their attack.
The Gunners have already strengthened that position with the signing of Christos Tzolis from Club Brugge, while Leandro Trossard has left for Besiktas. Arsenal are also considering further attacking reinforcements.
Interestingly, negotiations between Arsenal and Galatasaray have expanded beyond Martinelli.
Galatasaray have also shown interest in Arsenal youngster Ethan Nwaneri, while Victor Osimhen’s name has come up during discussions between the clubs. Arsenal have explored the possibility of signing the Nigerian striker as they consider further changes to their forward line.
Martinelli joined Arsenal from Brazilian club Ituano for around £6 million in 2019 and has since become an established first-team player in north London.
His potential sale would therefore represent a substantial profit for Arsenal. However, Galatasaray must first overcome the most important hurdle — convincing the player himself.
For now, Martinelli has made his position clear and rejected the chance to move to Turkey, leaving Arsenal waiting to see whether alternative suitors emerge before the transfer window closes.
