Galatasaray join race for Arsenal winger amid €40m bid claims

Galatasaray have joined the race for Arsenal winger Gabriel Martinelli, with one report suggesting the Turkish club have already made a €40m bid.

Gabriel Martinelli of Arsenal celebrates scoring the team's fourth penalty in the penalty shoot out during the UEFA Champions League Final 2026 match between Paris Saint-Germain and Arsenal FC at Puskas Arena on May 30, 2026 — Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images

Tom Canton reported for Football.London on Sunday that Galatasaray had approached Arsenal over a potential move for winger Gabriel Martinelli, looking to sign the player this summer.

Canton added that Martinelli remains part of Mikel Arteta’s plans for now, though the club are looking to strengthen in the Brazil international’s position.

In the short term, Arsenal are unlikely to entertain Galatasaray’s interest, but that may change if they manage to land a big left-wing signing.

Gabriel Martinelli of Arsenal ties his boots during the Emirates FA Cup Fourth Round match between Arsenal and Wigan Athletic on February 15, 2026 in London, England. (Photo by Richard Pelham/Getty Images) — Photo by Richard Pelham/Getty Images

Ben Jacobs reports that Galatasaray are turning to Martinelli as a potential alternative to AC Milan’s Rafael Leao, adding that they’ve made an exploratory approach to the Gunners. Jacobs confirms it’s not a sale Arsenal are expected to sanction without a replacement.

Over in Turkey, Haluk Yurekli claimed Galatasaray have made a €40m (£34.2m) offer for Martinelli, though this remains unconfirmed by other sources. It’s possible the offer was a verbal approach ahead of a potential formal bid.

Gabriel Martinelli of Arsenal celebrates scoring his team's second goal during the Emirates FA Cup Fourth Round match between Arsenal and Wigan Athletic on February 15, 2026 in London, England. (Photo by Richard Pelham/Getty Images) — Photo by Richard Pelham/Getty Images

Back in England, Ryan Taylor reports for the Mirror that as well as Galatasaray, AS Roma have held initial talks with Martinelli’s representatives. But Taylor adds that it’s not a formality that Martinelli will leave Arsenal this summer.

Though Martinelli is in the final year of his deal, Arsenal have an option to extend that to 2028, and the club will only sanction a sale if they have a replacement lined up. Roma would also struggle to match the player’s current salary.

For the time being, Martinelli continues to be involved with Arsenal in pre-season, coming on in the Emirates Cup game against Borussia Dortmund on Sunday.

PORTSMOUTH, ENGLAND - JANUARY 11: Gabriel Martinelli of Arsenal celebrates scoring his team's third goal during the Emirates FA Cup Third Round match between Portsmouth and Arsenal at Fratton Park on January 11, 2026 in Portsmouth, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images) — Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images

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