Gabriel Martinelli has already made his feelings clear about competing with Rodrygo before potential Arsenal transfer

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The 2025/26 season will be a crucial one for Gabriel Martinelli, who has had a testing campaign at Arsenal.

Following the 2022/23 calendar, Martinelli’s stocks were higher than ever, as the winger had a dominating campaign in the Premier League. 

The Brazilian hit 15 goals in the league that term, but unfortunately, Arsenal haven’t seen anywhere near such heights since. 

As a result, it comes as no surprise to see Arsenal linked to players such as Rodrygo, a left-winger with the ability to test Martinelli with competition for minutes. 

• READ MORE: Andrea Berta must seal Rodrygo deal at Arsenal quickly due to new summer transfer window rule

Gabriel Martinelli is familiar with Rodrygo competition

Sol Campbell is one figure who hasn’t been impressed with Martinelli this season, as the winger continues to struggle in front of goal in the Premier League.

With elite positional rivals such as Mohamed Salah, who has 46 goal contributions in the league this season, Arsenal’s lack of luxury firepower in the wide areas has been exposed. 

Martinelli has 12 Premier League goal contributions to his name in comparison to Salah, which has upped the urgency in Arsenal’s hunt for a winger to compete with the Brazilian.

Rodrygo has emerged as a target for Arsenal, a player that Martinelli is very familiar with, being an international teammate of the Real Madrid star. 

During the duo’s time with the Selecao in 2024, Martinelli actually commented on what it’s like to compete for game time with the Arsenal target, as well as fellow Brazilian, Vinicius Junior.

“The competition is very healthy, and that only brings us together, having all the quality players,” Martinelli said in a press conference in June 2024, prior to Brazil’s clash with Mexico.

“It’s a great pleasure for me to be playing with Vini, Rodrygo and all the players in the squad. It’s a healthy competition, and we have to try to make the most of it.”

Martinelli welcomed the competition with the two luxury players, which is more than what he’s being tested with at Arsenal, whose options aside from the Brazil international are alarmingly scarce.

Rodrygo’s versatility could appeal to Arsenal

Thierry Henry is an admirer of Rodrygo, who is turning heads at Arsenal, it seems, as per recent reports. 

The two-time Champions League winger is a force to be reckoned with, particularly when playing in his favoured left-wing role, but he’s very rarely able to do so at the Bernabeu. 

Rodrygo has played on the right most prominently, showcasing his versatility and willingness to be utilised where he is best suited to his team.

Such could appeal to Arteta, who will be eyeing a player capable of popping into different areas of the front line, as well as one who can elevate the levels of others in the squad.

As Martinelli himself admitted, competition for places in the starting XI is a positive thing, which must prompt the Gunners to push hard for Rodrygo in the summer.