Report: Gabriel Martinelli targeted by Napoli and Roma after Arsenal snub
Quick summary
Italian clubs Napoli and Roma are reportedly interested in signing Arsenal forward Gabriel Martinelli, who has fallen out of favor at the Emirates.
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Attributed to original sourceAfter Roma, now Sportitalia claim that Napoli also spoke to Arsenal for Gabriel Martinelli, who turned down the move to Galatasaray for €45m.
There had already been suggestions over the last few days that Roma considered Martinelli one of the candidates for the attack , seeing as their talks with FC Porto for Rodrigo Mora seem to have stalled indefinitely over the conditions to make the option to buy into an obligation.
Martinelli on Napoli radar too LONDON, ENGLAND – AUGUST 12: Gabriel Martinelli of Arsenal during the pre-season friendly match between Arsenal FC and Como Calcio at Emirates Stadium on August 12, 2026 in London, England. (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images) Now Sportitalia reporter Gianluigi Longari claims this evening that Napoli have spoken to Arsenal for Martinelli too.
The Brazil international just turned 25 in June and his contract with the Gunners is due to expire at the end of this season, although there is technically also an option to extend by one more year.
EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY – JULY 05: Gabriel Martinelli #22 of Brazil looks on during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16 match between Brazil and Norway at New York New Jersey Stadium on July 05, 2026 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images) His salary would be a big problem for Napoli, who have certain financial parameters to stick with.
The Partenopei also need to make sales, with Noa Lang, Cyril Ngonge and Lorenzo Lucca on the transfer market, after Romelu Lukaku was sold to Fenerbahce for €6m plus add-ons.
It would therefore be difficult for them to raise the necessary funds, but they hope Ajax will go for Lang after agreeing the sale of Mika Godts to Paris Saint-Germain today.
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What happened
According to reports from Football Italia, Serie A clubs Napoli and Roma have both identified Arsenal's Gabriel Martinelli as a potential transfer target. The Brazilian winger has seen reduced playing time at Arsenal, leading to speculation about his future. Both Italian clubs are reportedly exploring the conditions of a potential deal, though no formal negotiations have been confirmed. Martinelli's versatility and pace are seen as attractive qualities for either Serie A destination.
Chance analysis
This is a speculative transfer report linking Martinelli with a move to Serie A. While Martinelli has struggled for consistent game time at Arsenal, his market value and wages could be significant obstacles for Italian clubs. Napoli and Roma both have financial constraints that may limit their ability to complete such a deal. For prediction systems, this remains a low-confidence rumor at this stage, but it signals potential movement in the forward line for Arsenal if a deal materializes.
If Martinelli departs Arsenal, it would weaken their squad depth in attack; for Napoli or Roma, it would be a significant attacking addition if achievable.
Treat as low-confidence transfer speculation; monitor for concrete developments but do not adjust Arsenal attacking projections significantly yet.