Gabriel Martinelli has been told a summer exit from Arsenal could make sense if Mikel Arteta’s side finally secure the Premier League title this season.
Former Arsenal defender Mikael Silvestre believes the Brazilian could be among the players considering their future if the Gunners complete a historic campaign and lift their first league crown since 2004.
Arsenal remain firmly in the title race heading into the final weeks of the season, with victories against Burnley and Crystal Palace potentially enough depending on Manchester City’s results.
While Arsenal’s summer focus is expected to involve strengthening Arteta’s squad, Silvestre believes there could also be movement involving players on the fringes of the starting XI.
Silvestre questions Gabriel Martinelli’s long-term situation
Martinelli has been a major figure at Arsenal since arriving in 2019 and is now the club’s longest-serving player.
However, despite his importance over recent seasons, game time has become less secure during the current campaign.
The Brazil international has started only ten league matches this season, with Leandro Trossard frequently preferred in attacking areas.
Speaking to Betpack, Silvestre suggested Martinelli could now begin thinking about his next step.
“Gabriel Martinelli might be the one who wants to trigger a transfer because of the game-time.”
“Leaving after winning the league would be good timing for him, maybe a good decision.”
Reduced minutes create summer questions
Having followed Arsenal closely this season, Martinelli’s reduced role has been one of the more surprising developments within Arteta’s squad.
The winger has still played regularly, but many appearances have come from the bench rather than as a guaranteed starter.
For a player approaching his prime years and maintaining international ambitions with Brazil, regular minutes naturally become increasingly important.
| Gabriel Martinelli (2025/26) | Stat |
|---|---|
| Appearances | 41 |
| League starts | 10 |
| Goals | 9 |
| Assists | 7 |
source: club competition data – 16 May 2026
Martinelli also remains one of Arsenal’s most explosive attacking options when running directly at defenders.
However, it remains too early to conclude that Arsenal themselves are considering his departure.
Arteta has repeatedly highlighted the importance of competition and depth, particularly across attacking positions.
Bradley Barcola emerges in transfer conversation
Silvestre also pointed toward Paris Saint-Germain winger Bradley Barcola as a player capable of strengthening Arsenal if Martinelli were to move on.
“If Martinelli was to make space, then Bradley Barcola could definitely be one that should compete with Trossard.”
The former Arsenal defender also praised Barcola’s ability in one-versus-one situations and creativity, although he suggested improvements in finishing would still be needed.
From the final months of Arsenal’s season, adding greater attacking variety has looked like one area the club may still address despite impressive progress elsewhere.
Still, Martinelli’s situation currently appears more about opportunity than dissatisfaction.
The Brazilian remains an important member of the squad, but questions surrounding playing time could naturally increase if his role remains unchanged.
Key Points
- Mikael Silvestre believes Gabriel Martinelli could consider leaving Arsenal
- Martinelli has started only ten league games this season
- Arsenal remain in contention for the Premier League title
- Bradley Barcola has been mentioned as a possible option
- Arsenal are expected to strengthen this summer
What’s next
Arsenal first face Burnley before ending the season against Crystal Palace as the title race reaches its conclusion.
After that, attention will quickly shift toward transfer planning and whether changes emerge within Arteta’s attacking options.
Would Arsenal be making a mistake by allowing Gabriel Martinelli to leave?
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