Galatasaray has officially submitted a €45 million (£38.5m) bid for Gabriel Martinelli, as the Turkish club aims to secure a major signing before the summer transfer window closes.

The Istanbul-based team has identified the 25-year-old Brazilian international as their primary target, seeking to enhance their attack ahead of a new domestic title challenge and their Champions League campaign.

Transfer specialist Florian Plettenberg reported on X:
“EXCL | Galatasaray have submitted an official €45m offer for Gabriel Martinelli today. The offer is now on Arsenal’s table. Martinelli is currently Galatasaray’s top transfer priority.”
This proposal places Arsenal in a pivotal position regarding the future of one of their key attacking players.

Galatasaray has shifted its focus to Martinelli after facing challenges with other targets, viewing him as a significant addition to their frontline. The €45m offer may tempt Arsenal, especially considering Martinelli's inconsistent form last season.

However, selling the winger could leave a substantial gap in Mikel Arteta's squad. The Gunners have already seen Leandro Trossard depart for Besiktas, meaning another exit from the left side would leave them with limited options.

Arsenal has signed Christos Tzolis from Club Brugge, yet they would likely need to explore the transfer market again for another attacking player if Martinelli is sold.

The potential exit of Martinelli poses a tough decision for Arteta, especially with the new season approaching. Arsenal has been linked with ambitious moves for elite attackers, including Vinicius Junior of Real Madrid, and is reportedly monitoring Bradley Barcola amid Liverpool's pursuit of the Paris Saint-Germain winger.
Any decision on accepting Galatasaray's offer will heavily depend on Arsenal's ability to secure a quality replacement.