Arsenal Sets £39m Gabriel Martinelli Asking Price as Gunners Close In on £51m Piero Hincapie Deal

Arsenal tells Barcelona they want £39m for Gabriel Martinelli. The Gunners plan to use the funds to sign Bayer Leverkusen's Piero Hincapie permanently for £51m.

By: AXL Media

Published: Feb 28, 2026, 11:37 AM EST

Source: The information in this article was sourced from Football365

Tactical Rotations and Market Vulnerabilities

The defensive and offensive landscape at the Emirates Stadium appears set for a significant transition as Mikel Arteta seeks to balance his squad and financial books. Gabriel Martinelli, once a definitive starter in the Arsenal frontline, has faced a challenging 2025/26 campaign, managing only eight Premier League starts. This shift to a rotation role, primarily behind Leandro Trossard on the left flank, has fueled persistent rumors regarding a potential departure. While the Brazil international previously expressed satisfaction with the club's acquisition of high-quality competitors like Eberechi Eze and Noni Madueke, his lack of consistent minutes has created a "unique market opportunity" for European giants to test Arsenal's resolve.

Barcelona and Bayern Munich Express Strategic Interest

Barcelona has emerged as a primary suitor, reportedly looking to guarantee Martinelli the playing time that Arsenal currently cannot provide. The Catalan club sees the Brazilian as a favorable opportunity to bolster their attacking options at a fixed price of €45 million, or roughly £39 million. This interest follows a previous summer inquiry from Bayern Munich, during which the German club held positive conversations with the player's representatives. While Fabrizio Romano noted that Arsenal initially valued Martinelli far above the €35 million mark, the current need to generate revenue for a "wing position revamp" has reportedly made the club's hierarchy more amenable to a sale.

Securing the Defensive Future with Piero Hincapie

As Arsenal considers offloading attacking assets, the club is simultaneously moving to solidify its defensive core. Reports indicate that the Gunners "expect to complete" the permanent signing of Bayer Leverkusen defender Piero Hincapie following an impressive loan period. The Ecuador international has performed at a level that has prompted Arsenal to trigger a €52 million purchase clause. When combined with previous loan fees, the total investment in the defender will reach approximately £51 million. Hincapie is reportedly set to receive a four-year contract worth £100,000 per week, reflecting his status as a long-term fixture in Arteta's defensive plans.