Arsenal outline Martinelli transfer stance as new club eyes Jesus

Roma have held initial talks with Gabriel Martinelli's representatives Roc Nation Sports.

The Arsenal winger is facing an uncertain future with the Premier League champions, though it's still not considered a formality that he will depart the club this summer.

Martinelli has one year remaining on his current deal with the Gunners, however, Arsenal also hold a one-year extension option they can trigger to protect his value.

Had Mikel Arteta's side succeeded in their pursuit of Real Madrid superstar Vinicius Junior, Martinelli would have been virtually certain to depart the Emirates Stadium before the transfer deadline.

Now, the situation is complicated by the lack of top-quality replacement options and the Arsenal hierarchy will only make changes to Arteta's playing squad if there is scope to improve the Spaniard's ranks.

Bradley Barcola was watched in-person at the World Cup with France but PSG's £145million price-tag is viewed as excessive. Liverpool are also believed to be his preferred destination of choice after contract talks with PSG stalled.

Additionally, Roma, who are determined to land a right-footed left-winger, would struggle to match Martinelli's current salary while also satisfying Arsenal's financial valuation.

Galatasaray are also keen as they view the 25-year-old as an alternative to AC Milan's Rafael Leao. Negotiations with Milan have proven problematic as their latest proposal, a loan-to-buy, worth a reported £30m was rebuffed by the Italian giants. Milan aren't interested in a loan.

If they are unwilling to stretch much further for Leao, Gala would also find it tough to get close to what Arsenal would perceive to be a viable offer for Martinelli, who is keen to stay with the Premier League winners and is also liked by Fenerbahce.

New signing Christos Tzolis currently looks to be ahead of Martinelli in the Arsenal pecking order following the sale of Leandro Trossard to Besiktas after registering four goal involvements (three assists, one goal) in four pre-season appearances.

Meanwhile, Napoli have emerged as frontrunners to sign Brazilian centre-forward Gabriel Jesus, who is available for transfer. His valuation was initially set at £20m earlier this summer but offers upwards of £15m would likely be considered.

The Serie A outfit are seeking to move Romelu Lukaku on and Jesus' agent Giovanni Branchini recently attended Napoli's training camp, though he has since clarified he was visiting Massimiliano Allegri. If Napoli can find a buyer for Lukaku, they will bid for Jesus.

Turkish side Besiktas also have Jesus among their list of targets if they fail to execute a deal for Dusan Vlahovic, who is a free agent after departing Juventus. Negotiations with the Serbian frontman are ongoing.

Jesus' Arsenal contract expires in 2027 and he is keen to stay inside Europe's top-five leagues despite being the subject of interest from numerous clubs back in his homeland of Brazil.

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