Gabriel Martinelli has turned down a move to Galatasaray, despite the Turkish club reportedly making a £38.4 million bid.
Sky Germany’s Florian Plettenberg reported that Galatasaray had targeted the 25-year-old Brazilian forward and that the offer was the highest Arsenal had ever received for a player.
However, David Ornstein of The Athletic confirmed that Martinelli’s team told Arsenal he wasn’t interested in joining Galatasaray right now. Fabrizio Romano also noted that a move to Turkey was never something Martinelli seriously considered.
Galatasaray has been active in the transfer market recently, using their Champions League spot to attract players from the Premier League.
They saw Martinelli as a key signing to boost their attack, especially after rivals like Besiktas signed Leandro Trossard from Arsenal.
The £38.4 million offer put Arsenal in a tricky spot. While manager Mikel Arteta likes Martinelli’s speed and work rate, the club has been looking for new left-wing options.
Even though Galatasaray’s bid didn’t work out because the player refused, it remains to be seen if Martinelli will stay at Arsenal and compete for his place, or if another major European club might make a move before the transfer window closes.
