Newcastle United are ramping up their search for attacking reinforcements, and reports confirm Arsenal winger Gabriel Martinelli has emerged as a genuine target for Eddie Howe as the Magpies look to bolster their forward line this summer.
Why Newcastle Are in the Market
The pursuit comes at a pivotal time for Newcastle’s attack. With Anthony Gordon having departed for Barcelona earlier this summer, Howe finds himself needing to replace a player whose dynamism and directness down the flanks became a defining feature of the team. While academy graduate Toure offers some similar qualities and squad depth, reports suggest Howe is looking for a more experienced and clinical option to fill that void — which is precisely where Martinelli comes in.
A Genuine Multi-Club Chase
Newcastle certainly aren’t alone in their interest. According to reports from Caught Offside and other outlets, Manchester United and Bayern Munich have also registered interest in the Brazilian, while Italian clubs Roma and Juventus have reportedly made contact with Arsenal as well. It’s a genuinely crowded field for a player who, until relatively recently, looked close to untouchable at the Emirates.
Why Arsenal Are Willing to Sell
Martinelli’s standing at Arsenal has shifted considerably over the past year. Once viewed as one of the most exciting young wingers in the Premier League, the 25-year-old found himself increasingly pushed to the fringes last season as Mikel Arteta looked to freshen up his frontline following another campaign that ended without the ultimate European prize. Arsenal have already moved to address that position by signing Christos Tzolis from Club Brugge, a development that only makes Martinelli’s path back into regular game time look even more difficult.
Reports suggest Arsenal have set an asking price in the region of £38-43 million (€45-50m) for the Brazilian, a figure Newcastle will need to weigh carefully as they continue conversations.
Where Talks Currently Stand
Newcastle had actually been exploring alternative targets before turning more seriously toward Martinelli. The club reportedly missed out on Osasuna’s Víctor Muñoz after Liverpool swooped in and triggered his release clause, forcing Newcastle back to the drawing board. That setback pushed Martinelli up the list of alternatives alongside Arsenal teammate Leandro Trossard and Liverpool’s Cody Gakpo, with Newcastle reportedly viewing the Brazilian as a potentially cheaper option than some of the other names on their shortlist.
While talks between the two clubs are said to be underway, it remains unclear exactly how advanced negotiations have become.
An Interesting Wrinkle: The Bruno Guimarães Connection
There’s also a fascinating subplot to this saga. Arsenal have separately been credited with interest in Newcastle’s own star man, Bruno Guimarães, though those discussions haven’t progressed far, with Newcastle reportedly unwilling to sell for anything less than £80-85 million. Some reports have speculated that including Martinelli as part of any deal could help bridge that financial gap — though whether Martinelli himself would be tempted by a move to St James’ Park, given Newcastle’s lack of European football next season, remains a genuine question mark.
What’s Next?
With multiple suitors circling and Arsenal seemingly ready to do business, this transfer saga looks set to develop quickly. For Newcastle, landing a player of Martinelli’s pedigree and Premier League experience would represent a smart, proven addition to replace Gordon’s creativity and end product out wide.
Newcastle fans, would Martinelli be the ideal replacement for Anthony Gordon? Let us know your thoughts below.
