Bayern Munich reportedly made an enquiry to sign Arsenal star Gabriel Martinelli in the summer before landing Luis Diaz from Liverpool. According to Fabrizio Romano, the Bundesliga giants took a serious look at the 24-year-old before eventually moving for the Colombian.

• Bayern considered Martinelli before Diaz transfer
• Arsenal rejected €35 million (£30m/$41m) interest outright
• Brazilian winger remains happy in London

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  WHAT HAPPENED?

  The Gunners were unwavering when Bayern tested the waters with figures around the €30–35 million (£26m/$35m-£30m/$41m) mark. Inside the Emirates, Martinelli is regarded as one of the cornerstones of Mikel Arteta’s project, and the hierarchy made it clear they had no intention of even entertaining offers at that level.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  What made Arsenal’s job even easier was Martinelli’s refusal to push for a departure. Unlike some modern stars who force exits to secure blockbuster moves, the Brazilian winger never once suggested he wanted out of London. This loyalty came even as Arsenal boosted their attacking depth with the arrivals of Eberechi Eze and Noni Madueke.

• WHAT ROMANO SAID

  Romano, speaking on his , said: "Another player that was considered as a target by Bayern for the winger position is Gabriel Martinelli. Gabriel Martinelli was one of the targets. Bayern spoke to the agents of Gabriel Martinelli. It was a positive conversation, but Gabriel Martinelli is very happy at Arsenal, and Arsenal were showing no intention of accepting anything close to 30, 35 million euros for Gabriel Martinelli.

  “For them, the player is worth way more, and this is why the negotiation never advanced. But Gabriel Martinelli was a serious target for Bayern at the beginning of the summer transfer window. Then again, it didn't evolve because of financial reasons, and also because Martinelli feels very comfortable at Arsenal.”

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  WHAT NEXT FOR MARTINELLI?

  For a player under contract until 2027, with Arsenal holding the option for an extra year, the Gunners clearly view Martinelli as one of their safest long-term investments. So far this campaign, he has two Premier League starts. With the added firepower of Eze and Madueke, Arteta has the luxury of rotating his wide men. However, Martinelli will be keen to see him back in the starting XI this Saturday when Nottingham Forest travel to the Emirates after being left on the bench during Arsenal’s thumping 5-0 win against Leeds United. 

Tags: Futebol
Category: News