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Galatasaray have the upper hand over Roma in the pursuit of Arsenal winger Gabriel Martinelli this summer, according to Corriere dello Sport (page 12). The Brazil international has entered the last year of his Gunners contract, but the club have the option to extend it for another 12 months if they require. Galatasaray have already made an opening offer worth £38.4 million for Martinelli, but it was reported yesterday that Arsenal are holding out for £51.3m. Amid this, Corriere dello Sport claim that Roma’s interest in Martinelli is ‘cooling off’. The Giallorossi are unlikely to compete with Galatasaray due to the player’s huge wages. Martinelli earns a net salary of £6 million per year in the UK (after tax). This is a full £2.56m per season above the new salary cap set by the Friedkin Group. Galatasaray have no problem meeting the salary and are currently ‘in the lead’. Martinelli is also ‘tempted’ to join the Super Lig champions, who have qualified for the league phase of the 2026/27 Champions League alongside Roma. Arsenal could part ways with Martinelli if a marquee signing is made The Gunners have already landed a new winger in Christos Tzolis from Club Brugge. The Greek was signed as a replacement for Leandro Trossard, and has had a fine pre-season. The 24-year-old has made three goal contributions and also won a penalty against Borussia Dortmund. He looks poised to start on the left wing against Manchester City in the Community Shield on Sunday. Martinelli played second fiddle to Trossard in the league matches last term, and appears to have already fallen down the pecking order. He could assume a similar role if he stays put. However, it looks likelier by the day that the Brazilian could depart. There is presently a £12.9m gap in the valuations between Galatasaray and Arsenal, but the margin could be closed. The Turkish giants are continuing talks with the Gunners and a middle ground could be reached for £45m. Still, Arsenal may want a marquee replacement before sanctioning a sale. They were hot on the trail of Real Madrid star Vinicius Junior before he penned a long-term deal at Los Blancos. The player’s camp were appreciative of the Gunners’ transfer interest. Arsenal have yet to pursue another marquee left winger, but things could speed up if Martinelli’s exit draws closer. Paris Saint-Germain’s Bradley Barcola may well emerge as a prime target. PSG value the Frenchman at a staggering £145m, which has hampered Liverpool’s pursuit. If Arsenal verbally agree to Martinelli’s sale, they could be prepared to make a record bid for Barcola.