News

Arsenal’s stance on Leandro Trossard and Gabriel Martinelli futures revealed amid new contract talks and Saudi transfer links

Add as preferred source on Google

Arsenal could keep both Leandro Trossard and Gabriel Martinelli this summer, as well as sign a new winger, Arsenal Insider understands.

Trossard has enjoyed a relatively fruitful campaign, netting ten goals and providing eight assists across all competitions.

Meanwhile, Martinelli has produced similar output, scoring ten and registering five assists.

Arsenal have been heavily linked with Nico Williams, as well as a host of other wide forwards, with the assumption being that one of the aforementioned two members of Mikel Arteta’s squad would make way.

However, whilst it’s still very plausible that either Trossard or Martinelli could be sold, the Gunners are eager to not leave themselves short on options and would be content with keeping both.

Ipswich Town FC v Arsenal FC - Premier League
Photo by David Price/Arsenal FC via Getty Images

Leandro Trossard and Gabriel Martinelli could both stay at Arsenal this summer

It’s widely accepted at Arsenal that Arteta needs attacking reinforcements, and that includes an upgrade on the Spaniard’s current left-wing options.

Trossard and Martinelli have both flashed glimpses of quality this season, but have ultimately lacked the consistency required for the Gunners to keep pace with Premier League leaders Liverpool.

Transfer expert Graeme Bailey told Arsenal Insider that Arsenal have held talks with both players in recent months, and that both remaining in N5 isn’t completely off the table.

“Obviously, Arsenal have been in touch with both parties in the last six months,” he said.

“I think that Arsenal have engaged in talks with both; they do like both players, though that doesn’t stop them from looking at alternatives as well.

“It’s just a situation of them putting it out there with how a new deal would look to these players, more so Trossard at the moment because he only has a year left. They’re assessing their situation, the one thing Arsenal will not do this summer, at the very least, is not make themselves weaker.

“Is there a scenario where Trossard and Martinelli stay and another left-sided forward comes in? I don’t think that’s beyond the realms of fantasy, even without new deals.

“I think with Martinelli and Trossard as well, obviously they’re clearly aware that Arsenal are in the market for not one, but two forwards as well.”

Reports emerged earlier this week that Arsenal have opened contract talks with Trossard, who is a target for AC Milan and clubs in the Saudi Pro League.

Meanwhile, Saudi sides are extremely interested in Martinelli, and there’s no doubt that the Gunners could be tempted to cash in on the Brazilian if they were to receive a suitable offer.

Arsenal FC v Paris Saint-Germain - UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Phase MD2
Photo by Alex Burstow/Arsenal FC via Getty Images

Arsenal should sell Leandro Trossard this summer

Ultimately, if it comes down to having to sell one of the two to make way for an incoming player, then Trossard should be the one to go.

While Martinelli could fetch a larger fee from a potential suitor, Arsenal have to think about the state of their squad rather than their finances, and the Belgian has less to offer at this stage of his career.

Trossard will turn 31 in December, and has already shown signs of decline this season.

Statistical Comparison 2024/25 (League Only)
StatTrossardMartinelli
Appearances3631
Goals88
Assists64
Shots2.592.07
Expected Goals per 900.260.27
Key Passes per 901.441.56
Expected Assists per 900.150.19
Successful Take-Ons per 901.221.35
All Statistics via FBRef – correct as of 12/05/2025

Having lost some of his creativity and with his athleticism also diminishing, the former Brighton man is a less useful option off the bench compared to the pace and direct running that Martinelli can provide.

To play a squad role, Martinelli is a much more appealing option.

That said, if a ridiculously lucrative offer were to come in from the Middle East for the 23-year-old, then it’d be impossible for Arsenal to justify not selling him instead of Trossard.