Martin Keown understands why Arsenal might want to sell Gabriel Martinelli, but he hopes Mikel Arteta will keep the Brazilian star at Emirates.

Martin Keown understands why Arsenal might want to sell Gabriel Martinelli, but he hopes Mikel Arteta will keep the Brazilian star at Emirates.

Arsenal started the 2026/27 season brilliantly, first beating Manchester City 3-0 in the Community Shield, then defeating Coventry City by the same scoreline in their Premier League opener.

However, Martinelli was not included in either squad, fuelling speculation that he would end his seven-year stint in North London.

The forward's form dipped last season, contributing just 1 goal and 4 assists during Arsenal's Premier League title win, though he was more effective in the Champions League and FA Cup.

Summer signing Christos Tzolis has performed exceptionally well on the left wing in Martinelli's absence, and the Gunners are still looking to sign another attacker before the transfer window closes, with a potential record move for Julián Álvarez.

Martinelli rejected a transfer offer from Galatasaray but would be willing to join Al Hilal. Arsenal is in negotiations with the Saudi Pro League club and hopes to receive up to £60 million for the 25-year-old.

Ian Wright publicly criticised Arsenal's treatment of the player. While Keown doesn't entirely agree with that view, he believes Martinelli still has much to offer Arteta.

When asked if Arsenal no longer needed Martinelli, the Gunners legend told talkSPORT: "No, I think he still has a place. I felt he started to improve towards the end of last season."

"He [Tzolis] has adapted very well. So they [Arsenal] might be evaluating because of that, or perhaps there are other options in the transfer window, and they need to raise funds by selling Gabriel Martinelli."

"They can't let his contract run down for free. The club has to make a decision, and everyone has to accept that."

"He should be very clear about his position at the club. If he leaves, it will certainly be with reluctance, because I've always admired his style of play."

"But if Arsenal wants to move forward, and he only has another year on his contract..."

Martinelli's contract is indeed in its final year, though Arsenal have the option to extend it until 2028.

While his future may not be in North London, Tzolis looks ready to make a big impact at the Gunners this season, having already provided 3 assists in his first two games.

"Tzolis? Yes, exceptional," Keown added.

"I think it's one of the best debuts from a winger I've seen. The last time I felt that was probably with Ljungberg when he came on as a substitute in a 3-0 win over Manchester United."

"This boy's decision-making is excellent, and he and Calafiori on the left have already developed good understanding, connecting quickly and effectively."

"He's exceeded expectations. It seems Arsenal were looking for another Trossard in Europe, with the same kind of football intelligence. This boy might even be quicker."

"Compared to when he was at Norwich, this is definitely a big step up. His performances are certainly much better than the last time he came to Emirates. But that experience clearly gave him Premier League experience to start like this."

Traduzido por IA.

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