Arsenal could see £45m bid accepted to sign a better player than Martinelli

The 2025/26 campaign will be one that forever lives in the memory of Arsenal supporters, as Mikel Arteta’s men made new history in the Premier League.

The Gunners claimed their first league title in 22 years, subsequently finishing the year seven points clear of rivals Manchester City after an intense and unforgiving battle.

The Champions League final defeat against PSG last weekend was undoubtedly a missed opportunity, but it’s still a reminder as to how far the side have come under Arteta.

Next season will see Arsenal go from being the hunters to being the hunted, but it presents a chance for the club to reach the next level in their progression under the Spaniard.

If the 44-year-old is to add further silverware to the club’s trophy cabinet, he may need added reinforcements from the hierarchy during the upcoming transfer window.

Arsenal could have £45m bid accepted for attacking star

In an attempt to bolster the Arsenal attacking department, a number of high-profile talents have already been touted with a move to the Emirates this summer.

Aston Villa star Morgan Rogers has been the most consistent name mentioned, with the Englishman expected to depart Unai Emery’s men ahead of the 2026/27 campaign.

A fee in the region of £80m has been mooted for his signature, but the likes of Manchester United and Chelsea also remain keen on securing a transfer for the 23-year-old.

Rogers isn’t the only option currently being considered by the Arsenal hierarchy, as AC Milan winger Rafael Leao has emerged as another transfer target.

According to Gazzetta dello Sport, the 26-year-old has offered himself to the Gunners this summer to try and secure a move away from the San Siro and transfer to the Premier League.

The report also states that the Portuguese international is free to leave the Serie A outfit this window, as Manchester United also continue to monitor his situation.

Leao could also prove to be an excellent piece of business for Arteta’s men this window, with a fee of just £45m required to secure the attacker’s signature.

Why Leao would be an upgrade on Martinelli for Arsenal

Despite the success during the recent campaign, Arsenal supporters have been crying out for a top-level attacking talent off the left-hand side of the front three.

Gabriel Martinelli has often been the Gunners’ first choice throughout the 2025/26 season, but has often failed to deliver the goods for Arteta’s men in North London.

The Brazilian featured in 30 league games this season, but only netted one league goal and provided just four assists for his teammates at the Emirates.

As a result, he’s had to share the responsibility of starting alongside Leandro Trossard, further highlighting the need for added reinforcements this summer.

A potential transfer for Leao could make perfect sense for Arteta and Co during this window, especially if his current asking price of just £45m is to be believed.

The 26-year-old has constantly been one of Europe’s leading attacking stars in recent years, as seen by his ability to net double figures in each of the last five seasons.

His underlying stats from the recent season highlight why he’d be an upgrade on Martinelli and hand the Gunners the elite-level forward they have craved on the left-hand side.

Leao managed to complete more successful take-ons per 90 than Martinelli throughout 2025/26, subsequently highlighting his ability to glide past the opposition.

His higher shot-on-target accuracy and goal tally highlights his ability to put the finishing touches on his mazy runs – something which the Brazilian has struggled to demonstrate in recent months.

As a result of his impact within the attacking third, the AC Milan star has been labelled “an early Henry” by one Athletic writer – a huge piece of praise given the Frenchman’s tally of 228 goals for the Gunners.

The 26-year-old’s end product is there for all to see, with his 44% cross accuracy rate ranking him above Martinelli and 85% of other attackers within Europe’s top-five leagues.

His all-round dominance over the current Arsenal star could make him an excellent addition this summer – especially if the current £45m asking price is to be believed.

Any move for Leao would offer the Gunners needed strength in depth at the Emirates – something which is needed to help build on the recent Premier League triumph.

However, it would be a surprise to no one if the Portuguese star were to dislodge the Brazilian from his starting role next term upon any move to North London.