Gabriel Martinelli is reportedly open to leaving Arsenal this summer. The Brazilian star is keen to explore a move abroad as speculation ramps up over Arsenal wanting to sign a left winger.
What happened?
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has admitted that the left wing position needs urgent attention in the transfer window.
Why it matters for Gabriel Martinelli
Martinelli, 25, has a year left on his contract, which can be extended by an additional season. He has spent seven seasons in N5, scoring 62 goals in 278 appearances.
What comes next?
The Gunners are expected to sign three to five higher quality players this summer, with a potential club record £250million expenditure. Sporting director Andrea Berta needs to sell players too, and Martinelli could fetch a larger fee than Leandro Trossard due to his age.
And the Brazilian's potential departure could be facilitated by Arsenal's desire to sign a new left winger. Arteta thinks the left wing position needs the most urgent attention in the transfer window.
But Martinelli's future is not the only transfer story involving Arsenal. Piero Hincapie is reportedly a target for Real Madrid, who are looking to hijack the Ecuadorian defender's permanent move to the Emirates Stadium.
The Spanish giants have made an inquiry for Hincapie, who fits the profile of a left-footed centre-back who can also play as a left-back. Arsenal signed Hincapie on a season-long loan deal from Bayer Leverkusen last summer, with an obligation to buy for £45m.
So the summer transfer window is set to be a busy one for Arsenal, with Martinelli's future and Hincapie's potential move just two of the stories to watch. The Gunners are looking to build on their Premier League title win last season, and their transfer activity will be crucial in determining their success.
Martinelli's potential departure would be a significant blow to Arsenal, given his goal-scoring record and experience in the Premier League. But the Brazilian's desire to explore a move abroad could be an opportunity for the Gunners to sign a new left winger and strengthen their squad.
The transfer window has only just opened, and there are sure to be many more twists and turns in the coming weeks. But one thing is certain - Gabriel Martinelli's future will be a major talking point for Arsenal fans this summer.