Roma Put Gabriel Martinelli on Gasperini’s Radar as Arsenal Winger Emerges as Surprise Target

Story Category: Transfer News

Story Confidence: 🟠 Serious Interest

Gabriel Martinelli has emerged as a surprise target for AS Roma as Gian Piero Gasperini continues his search for another attacking player ahead of the new season.

The Italian club are exploring the possibility of bringing the Arsenal winger to Serie A, with sporting director Tony D’Amico reportedly examining Martinelli as an alternative to other attacking targets.

Roma’s interest comes at a decisive point in the summer window. Gasperini wants a right-footed attacker capable of operating from the left side, and Martinelli fits the profile the veteran coach has been seeking.

However, this is not a completed transfer.

Roma are assessing whether a deal can realistically be negotiated, while the financial demands surrounding the Brazilian could prove difficult for the Serie A club.

Gasperini Wants Another Attacking Weapon

Gasperini has been clear about the type of attacker he wants.

The Roma head coach is looking for a player who can operate from the left while offering intensity, directness and the ability to attack defenders.

That search has already taken Roma towards several different names.

Mason Greenwood, Antonio Nusa and Alejandro Garnacho have all been considered, while Porto youngster Rodrigo Mora has also emerged as another option.

With those avenues yet to produce a definitive solution, Martinelli has now entered the conversation.

For Gasperini, the attraction is obvious.

The Brazilian has experience in the Premier League and European competition, possesses explosive pace and is capable of playing from the left before driving towards goal.

Why Martinelli Has Suddenly Become Available

Martinelli's situation at Arsenal is one of the reasons Roma believe a deal could potentially be explored.

According to current reporting, the 25-year-old is entering the final year of his Arsenal contract.

The arrival of Christos Tzolis has also increased competition for places in Arsenal's attacking positions, creating further uncertainty over Martinelli's role.

That does not mean Arsenal have decided to sell him.

It does, however, explain why other clubs are examining the situation.

Martinelli remains an Arsenal player, and any transfer would still require the relevant parties to reach an agreement.

Roma Assess the Financial Challenge

The biggest obstacle may not be Martinelli's footballing suitability.

It could be the cost.

Reports from Italy indicate that Arsenal could demand a fee in the region of €40 million to €45 million for the Brazilian.

Martinelli's salary would also create another hurdle, with his current gross earnings reportedly around €11 million per season.

Those figures would make the deal a substantial investment for Roma.

The Italian club therefore have to determine whether Martinelli represents better value than the other options available to them.

Rodrigo Mora Remains in the Picture

Roma are not putting all their attention on Martinelli.

Rodrigo Mora remains another important possibility as the club searches for the attacker Gasperini wants.

The Porto youngster would represent a different type of investment.

Martinelli offers immediate experience at the highest level, while Mora would be a younger option with considerable long-term potential.

That gives Roma a genuine choice to make.

Do they spend heavily on an established Premier League attacker, or pursue a younger player who could develop into a major asset?

Martinelli's Arsenal Future Is Still Unclear

The transfer speculation arrives after an uncertain period for Martinelli.

The Brazilian has been an important part of Arsenal's squad since arriving from Ituano in 2019 and has developed into an established Premier League attacker.

Arsenal officially announced a new long-term contract for Martinelli in February 2023, underlining how highly the club valued him at the time.

His current situation is therefore a significant change from that earlier period.

The question is no longer simply whether Martinelli has the quality to play for Arsenal.

It is whether his role under Mikel Arteta remains important enough for the club to reject serious offers.

Roma See a Player Who Fits the System

From a tactical perspective, Martinelli could make considerable sense for Gasperini.

The Italian coach has traditionally demanded intensity from his wide players.

His teams rely heavily on movement, aggressive pressing and attackers who can contribute both with and without possession.

Martinelli's athleticism suits those demands.

His ability to accelerate into space could also become particularly dangerous in a system designed to create one-on-one situations for wide attackers.

The Brazilian would not simply be another name added to the squad.

He would potentially fill a specific tactical requirement identified by Gasperini.

But There Is No Agreement Yet

This distinction is crucial.

Roma are considering Martinelli.

They have not completed a deal.

There is no confirmed agreement between Arsenal and Roma, and the reported financial requirements mean there is still plenty of work to do before the transfer could become realistic.

The situation could therefore develop in several directions.

Roma could intensify their interest and attempt to negotiate with Arsenal.

The Italian club could instead prioritise Rodrigo Mora or another target.

Arsenal could also decide that keeping Martinelli is preferable to accepting an offer below their valuation.

For now, the story remains firmly in the exploratory stage.

Galatasaray Are Also Watching

Roma's interest is particularly notable because they are not the only club examining Martinelli's situation.

Galatasaray have also been linked with the Brazilian, with current reporting claiming the Turkish champions have made an offer of around £34 million.

That means Arsenal could potentially face competition between clubs if Martinelli's availability becomes clearer.

It also increases the possibility that the winger's future becomes one of the more interesting transfer stories of the closing stages of the window.

But neither the Galatasaray interest nor Roma's latest consideration should be presented as a completed transfer.

What Would a Move Mean for Martinelli?

A transfer to Roma would represent a major new chapter in Martinelli's career.

He would be leaving the Premier League for Serie A and joining a team being reshaped under one of Europe's most experienced tactical coaches.

The move could also provide him with a different environment in which to rediscover his best form.

For Roma, meanwhile, signing an established Brazilian international would represent a significant attacking statement.

But the economics of the deal have to work first.

The Decision Now Rests With Roma and Arsenal

Roma's interest is genuine enough to warrant attention, but the transfer remains far from certain.

Gasperini wants another attacker.

D'Amico is exploring his options.

Martinelli fits the tactical profile.

The problem is whether Roma can agree a package that works for both themselves and Arsenal.

With the transfer window approaching its final stages, there may not be much time for negotiations to develop.

And if Roma decide that Martinelli is the right solution, they will need to move quickly.

Why Martinelli Fits Gasperini's Plans

Pace: Martinelli can stretch defensive lines with his acceleration.

Versatility: He can operate from the left or move into more central attacking areas.

Intensity: His athletic profile suits Gasperini's demanding style.

Experience: He has already played extensively in the Premier League and European football.

Age: At 25, he could offer Roma both immediate quality and several years of potential peak performance.

What Happens Next?

The next step is likely to depend on Roma's assessment of the financial package.

If the Giallorossi decide Martinelli is worth the investment, negotiations with Arsenal could follow.

If the numbers prove too difficult, Rodrigo Mora and other alternatives remain available.

Arsenal, meanwhile, have the final say over whether they are prepared to part with the Brazilian on the terms available.

For Martinelli, another chapter of uncertainty has opened.

For Roma, the question is whether the Arsenal winger is the missing piece Gasperini has been demanding.