Arsenal are set to part ways with Gabriel Martinelli in what would be one of the biggest shocks of the January transfer window, a report has claimed, as we analyse the likelihood of a winter exit.<\/p>\n
The 24-year-old winger has started just five times in the Premier League this season but has been heroic in the Champions League, scoring in all five of his appearances in the competition this term.<\/p>\n
Martinelli is the first Arsenal<\/a> player in history to score in five consecutive Champions League games, and is the key reason why they sit top of the tournament\u2019s league phase table and are set for qualification to the knockouts.<\/p>\n However, according to a shocking claim from journalist Sercan Hamzaolu, Mikel Arteta has decided to sell Martinelli in January, and Turkish giants Fenerbahce have been offered his services.<\/p>\n \u201cArsenal has decided to sell Gabriel Martinelli. He will be offered to Fenerbah\u00e7e. A costly player,\u201d Hamzaoulu said, as posted by\u00a0Futbol Arena<\/a>\u00a0on X.<\/p>\n \u201cI don\u2019t know if Fenerbah\u00e7e will get involved in this transfer, but as I said, he will be offered [to them].\u201d<\/p>\n A host of clubs, no doubt bigger ones than Fenerbahce, would no doubt jump at the chance to sign Martinelli should the opportunity arise. Bayern Munich have shown interest previously, for example.<\/p>\n Want more breaking transfer lines from original sources? Add TEAMtalk as a preferred source on Google <\/strong><\/a>to your favourites list for news you can trust.<\/p>\n Arsenal highly unlikely to let Martinelli go<\/strong><\/p>\n However, we can explain why the speculation over a potential Martinelli<\/a> exit must be taken with a big pinch of salt.<\/p>\n While he isn\u2019t a consistent starter for the Gunners, and his playing time has dwindled since the arrival of Eberechi Eze over the summer, he is still valued very highly by Arteta.<\/p>\n \u201cI adore Gabriel: his attitude, his commitment, his positivity, what he\u2019s willing to do for the team,\u201d Arteta said earlier this year.<\/p>\n \u201cHe has such a mentality. He\u2019s constantly willing to learn, very demanding with himself, and hopefully that gives him the confidence again because he is an outstanding player.\u201d<\/p>\n Arteta has also highlighted the importance of utilising \u2018finishers\u2019 in modern football \u2013 players who can come off the bench to see out, or win a game with their contributions.<\/p>\n Martinelli certainly fits into that category, and with his contract valid until 2027, and Arsenal having the option to extend it by a further year, it would be a huge shock to see him leave next month.<\/p>\n The Gunners need all the quality players they can get as they push for the Premier League and Champions League titles, and Martinelli has proved time and again that he can come up with pivotal moments for his team.<\/p>\n Latest Arsenal news: Man Utd\u2019s \u20ac100m offer, Berta eyes double signing<\/p>\n Meanwhile, a shock report states that Manchester United are set to make an \u2018astronomical\u2019 bid as they aim to beat Arsenal<\/a> to the signature of Juventus forward Kenan Yildiz.<\/p>\n It\u2019s claimed that United are preparing to launch a stunning\u00a0\u20ac100million (\u00a388m) bid for the 20-year-old, which could blow Arsenal out of the water.<\/p>\n In other news, Arsenal\u2019s sporting director Andrea Berta has reportedly set his sights on a sensational double centre-back signing to bolster the Gunners\u2019 defensive options.<\/p>\n The London side are said to be considering moves for Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi and Rennes star Jeremy Jacquet.<\/a><\/p>\n