Gabriel Martinelli emerges as surprise target for United

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The Peoples Person

16 July 2026

Apart from their planned midfield revamp,

Manchester United

also have plans to upgrade their left wing position.

Currently, the Red Devils do not have a specialist winger, which is why

Michael Carrick

had to utilise

Matheus Cunha

and Patrick Dorgu in that role.

Both

excelled

, but INEOS are aware of the need to recruit a specialist ahead of United’s return to the Champions League.

There are talks of

reintegrating Marcus Rashford into the squad

, and if that does not materialise, West Ham’s

Crysencio Summerville

has been identified as a top target.

The only problem is that the 20-time English league champions can only pursue the Dutchman after the Mancunian is sold, and this delay has allowed

rival suitors to edge ahead in the race

This is why INEOS are keeping alternative targets ready, with Arsenal’s

Gabriel Martinelli

emerging as a shock option.

The Brazilian won the Premier League last time out, even though his personal performances were a mixed bag with Mikel Arteta increasingly looking beyond him.

He still managed 11 goals and seven assists in all competitions, but

Calciomercato

have claimed that the Gunners are open to his sale for a mere £38 million.

In fact, his value could tank further following a disappointing World Cup, with the likes of Juventus, AS Roma, Bayern Munich,

, and Newcastle all eyeing a move.

“Both Juventus and Roma are busy looking for attacking reinforcements on the flanks, and in recent days they have been linked with

“According to Calciomercato.it, around a month ago, several intermediaries received indications of a price tag of €45-50 million.

“The London club was also hoping for a strong World Cup performance from the Brazilian striker, who has also been linked with Bayern Munich,

, and Newcastle, as well as Turkish and Arab giants.

“In light of the disappointing Brazil expedition, it is not excluded that in London they could revise their demands on the player’s transfer fee downwards.”

Gabriel Martinelli is young and Premier League-proven, which will suit INEOS, but the North London side are unlikely to sell to a direct rival.

Not many fans might know this, but the winger had

three separate trials

with United during the Jose Mourinho era but the Glazers opted against handing him a contract. It looks likely to be another case of a missed opportunity.

From INEOS’ perspective, it makes more sense to target Summerville, who could be available for a fee as low as

£30 million

, with the ex-Leeds ace open to a switch as well, with the Hammers powerless to stop him.

Feature image Shaun Botterill via Getty Images

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Update: Contacts held as clubs queue up to sign Arsenal's Gabriel Martinelli, including Man Utd & Newcastle

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