Gabriel Martinelli rejects Galatasaray move after £38m Arsenal bid

Gabriel Martinelli has reportedly told Arsenal he does not want to join Galatasaray, despite the Turkish giants stepping up their pursuit with a €45 million (£38m) offer.

Arsenal are open to selling the Brazilian winger this summer as Mikel Arteta continues to reshape his attacking options, but Martinelli's preference is to remain in north London rather than move to Turkey.

According to ESPN Brasil, Arsenal are prepared to listen to offers for Martinelli and have been looking for potential buyers in both Turkey and Saudi Arabia.

The Gunners are reportedly seeking around €50m (£42.7m) for the 25-year-old, who is approaching the final year of his contract.

Galatasaray have now made their interest concrete with a €45m (£38m) proposal, putting them relatively close to Arsenal's reported valuation.

However, there is a much bigger obstacle than the remaining difference in price.

Martinelli has informed Arsenal's hierarchy that he has no interest in moving to Turkey, potentially stopping the transfer regardless of whether the two clubs can agree a fee.

Martinelli's uncertain future comes during another summer of significant changes to Arsenal's attack.

Leandro Trossard has already joined Besiktas for £15.3m, while Arsenal have spent £34m to bring Christos Tzolis to the Emirates from Club Brugge.

Martinelli could become another high-profile departure if Arsenal receive an acceptable offer and the winger can be convinced by the destination.

For now, though, his rejection of Galatasaray leaves the Gunners with a decision to make as the transfer deadline approaches.

Arsenal and Galatasaray's discussions could extend beyond Martinelli.

The Gunners have reportedly explored a move for Victor Osimhen, with the Nigerian emerging as an attacking target after Arsenal struggled to make progress in their pursuit of Atletico Madrid's Julian Alvarez.

Osimhen only joined Galatasaray permanently last summer, meaning any deal would likely require another major investment from Arsenal.

There is no indication at this stage that Martinelli would be directly included in an Osimhen swap deal, and his reluctance to join Galatasaray would make such an arrangement difficult regardless.

While Martinelli has rejected the possibility of moving to Istanbul, Ethan Nwaneri could still make the switch.

Arsenal and Galatasaray are reportedly in advanced discussions over the 19-year-old, who spent the second half of last season on loan at Marseille.

The Gunners value their academy graduate at approximately €40m (£34.1m).

With Martinelli, Nwaneri and Osimhen all involved in separate discussions between the clubs, Arsenal and Galatasaray could remain in contact throughout the final weeks of the window.

Galatasaray must decide whether there is any realistic prospect of changing Martinelli's mind before improving their offer to Arsenal. The Gunners, meanwhile, could continue searching for alternative buyers as they look to resolve the winger's future before his contract enters its final year.

Talks between Arsenal and Galatasaray are also worth watching closely, with separate negotiations involving Osimhen and Nwaneri potentially continuing regardless of what happens with Martinelli.

Should Arsenal keep Gabriel Martinelli after he rejected Galatasaray, or look for another buyer before the deadline?