AS Roma enter race to sign Arsenal star

Mikel Arteta’s squad has already undergone changes following last season’s Premier League triumph.

Arsenal could face a decision over another first-team departure before the summer transfer window closes.

Mikel Arteta’s squad has already undergone changes following last season’s Premier League triumph.

Leandro Trossard has departed for Besiktas, while new arrivals have increased competition for attacking places.

The Gunners are ready to make further changes, but only when they believe those moves will improve Arteta’s squad.

That position could affect the future of one of their established attackers, who has attracted interest from clubs outside England, although leaving the Emirates Stadium this summer is far from certain.

According to the Daily Mirror, AS Roma have held initial talks with Gabriel Martinelli‘s representatives, Roc Nation Sports, as they consider a move for the Arsenal winger.

Roma are searching for a right-footed left winger. However, completing a deal for Martinelli could prove difficult because of the finances involved.

The Italian club would struggle to match the Brazilian’s current Arsenal salary while also meeting the Gunners’ valuation.

Martinelli has one year remaining on his contract. Arsenal also have an option to extend that agreement by another year, giving them greater protection over his transfer value.

The 25-year-old would have been highly likely to leave had Arsenal completed their pursuit of Vinicius Junior.

However, that move did not materialise, leaving Arsenal with fewer high-quality replacement options.

Bradley Barcola has also been monitored, but Paris Saint-Germain’s £145 million valuation is considered excessive.

Meanwhile, Martinelli would prefer to remain with the Premier League champions despite the uncertainty surrounding his position.

Roma are not his only admirers. Galatasaray are also interested and view Martinelli as an alternative to Rafael Leao after encountering difficulties in negotiations with AC Milan.

Fenerbahce also like the Arsenal forward. However, Galatasaray could face similar financial problems to Roma in meeting Arsenal’s demands.

New signing Christos Tzolis currently appears to be ahead of Martinelli in Arteta’s pecking order after registering four goal involvements during preseason.

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