Seven years after arriving from Ituano, Martinelli’s valuation remains one of the summer’s most intriguing talking points.
When Gabriel Martinelli arrived at Arsenal in the summer of 2019, he was an unknown teenager from Ituano. Seven years later, the Brazilian has established himself as a Premier League winner, but with speculation surrounding his future, the obvious question is how much he would command if Arsenal decided to sell.
Martinelli became Arsenal’s first signing of the 2019 summer window after completing a move initially expected to cost around €7.5 million. In the end, the Gunners secured the forward for just over €6 million, a fee that now looks exceptional value given his development in north London.
Speaking to the Arsenal website after completing the transfer, Martinelli said: “It is a dream since I was a child and also my family’s dream for me to be playing in Europe and playing for a big team like Arsenal. I am going to take this opportunity.”
Take it he did.
His arrival had been anticipated for some time. Arsenal’s scouts had monitored him extensively during the previous season and held discussions with the player as early as February. Although other Premier League clubs also spoke to Martinelli, Arsenal ultimately proved the most convincing destination.
Martinelli earned his move after an impressive Campeonato Paulista campaign in 2019, scoring six goals and providing three assists in 14 appearances. He finished just one goal behind the competition’s leading scorer and two assists behind its leading creator despite his age.
He made his Arsenal debut against Newcastle United in August 2019 before scoring his first goal for the club later that year against Nottingham Forest.
Arsenal’s faith in the young forward was rewarded. Martinelli went on to establish himself as a first-team regular and, in 2023, signed a new contract running until 2027 with the option of a further year.
His progress has slowed over the last two seasons, however, and there has been growing speculation over his long-term future.
Now 25, Martinelli is entering what should be the peak years of his career, but he scored just once in the Premier League last season, although it came in a crucial game against Manchester City, while adding four assists in 30 league appearances.
That has inevitably prompted questions over his valuation.
Martinelli is currently valued at around €45 million, a figure frequently cited in reports linking him with a move, although there is no indication that it reflects Arsenal’s actual asking price rather than the details from Transfermarkt.
Other reports have suggested Arsenal would ask around £50 million (€58m) for a player who has 62 goals and 36 assists in 278 games, but there is similarly little evidence that the club have placed such a figure on the player.
Ultimately, Martinelli is worth what the market will pay and the market this summer is hot.
Morgan Rogers, 24, moved for an eye watering €138m despite only being worth €90m. That is, of course, because of both the English tax and Chelsea clueless fee, but he has only scored 31 goals, with 29 assists in 125 games (only 1275 fewer minutes).
Compare his output with Martinelli and you get a goal or assist every 167.3 minutes versus 171.4 for the Brazilian.
Against that backdrop, Arsenal could reasonably argue that Martinelli is worth well beyond £50 million should they decide to listen to offers this summer.
- How much is Gabriel Martinelli worth?How much is Gabriel Martinelli worth? We examine Arsenal’s bargain £6m signing, his current valuation and what the market could pay this summer.
- Chelsea turn down £85m Arsenal interest in star forwardChelsea are renewing Joao Pedro’s contract amid interest from Arsenal and FC Barcelona, according to a report from Brazil.
- Welsh & English FAs turn on FIFA president InfantinoThe FA are set to join the Welsh FA in withdrawing support for FIFA president Gianni Infantino, following a disastrous week for the global football organisation.
- Arsenal 32yo to hold medical on Tuesday ahead of saleChristian Norgaard will hold a medical with Everton on Tuesday as the club close in on his signing from Arsenal, according to a report.
- Vinicius Junior returns to Real Madrid training after Arteta talksVinicius Junior is back in training with Real Madrid, with contract talks expected soon between the Arsenal target and his current club.