Galatasaray Make Initial Contact with Arsenal Over Gabriel Martinelli

Galatasaray have formally approached Arsenal in pursuit of one of the summer's most eye-catching potential attacking signings. According to talkSPORT, the Turkish champions' management have made initial contact with the English club over 25-year-old Brazilian winger Gabriel Martinelli and discussed the fee for a possible transfer this summer. Reports in the Turkish press suggest Galatasaray have submitted a bid of around £34 million during these discussions.

According to the report, Arsenal will not sanction Martinelli's sale until they secure a suitable new left-sided attacker as his replacement. It's noted that the club's priority target was Vinicius Jr, but the Brazilian star's decision to sign a new contract with Real Madrid ruled that option out. Following that development, Arsenal have reportedly turned their attention to AC Milan's Portuguese star Rafael Leao, while talkSPORT notes PSG's Bradley Barcola is also being considered as an alternative.

Martinelli, who delivered an inconsistent campaign last season with just one goal in 30 Premier League appearances, is said to be seeking regular first-team football. With Christos Tzolis having become the primary starter on the left following his summer arrival, and Bruno Guimaraes' transfer now official, Arsenal are said to be undergoing an aggressive squad rebuild. Head coach Mikel Arteta stated in a press conference: "We expect to have movements in the next few weeks, obviously. We want to get better," with Martinelli's future expected to become clearer depending on whether Arsenal complete a move for either Leao or Barcola.

Source: talkSPORT
Image: Be Soccer