Arsenal’s record for the highest transfer fee received from selling a player previously belonged to Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, who joined Liverpool in 2017 for €38 million. The fact that this record has stood for so long is both difficult to understand and somewhat absurd.

Over the past five years, Arsenal have been a model club in many aspects. They have returned to the top level of English football and finally lifted the Premier League trophy last season. Their recruitment has been excellent, and the club’s overall management has been impressive. However, when it comes to selling players, they are still far behind many of their rivals.

This is an area that must improve. Despite recording their highest-ever revenues and having no shortage of financial resources, Arsenal may still need a major sale this summer to help balance the books.

Previously, there were reports that Arsenal could consider selling academy graduates Myles Lewis-Skelly and Ethan Nwaneri. The latter was sent on loan to Borussia Dortmund without a purchase option included in the deal.

In the end, the player Arsenal decided to cash in on was winger Gabriel Martinelli.

Arsenal will receive a €70 million transfer fee, almost double their previous record for a player sale. Football can be ruthless, and Arsenal’s decision to sell Martinelli this summer is the correct one.

It should be acknowledged that Martinelli has made a significant contribution to Arsenal. He has repeatedly shown incredible work rate for Mikel Arteta’s side, and his attitude has always been beyond question. However, by the elite standards Arsenal have now reached, he is no longer a guaranteed starter, especially in matches where Arsenal must break down deep defensive blocks.

Martinelli needs space behind the opposition defence to maximize his strengths, making him a valuable option in certain situations.

However, as mentioned earlier, Arsenal need to generate transfer income, and being a useful substitute in specific scenarios is not enough for a player of Martinelli’s profile. His current market value is around €45 million, but given the inflated transfer market this summer, Arsenal were clearly looking for a much higher fee.

Galatasaray had reportedly offered €45 million, but Al Hilal were willing to pay significantly more. Martinelli’s contract runs until 2027, with the club holding an option to extend it until 2028.

Last season, Martinelli scored just one Premier League goal. Since his breakthrough 2022-23 campaign, when he scored 15 league goals, his attacking output has been disappointing.

Arsenal’s attacking department has not matched the quality of their defence and midfield. For some time, the left-wing position has been an obvious weakness in their starting XI. Greek winger Christos Tzolis has already joined from Club Brugge for €40 million, but Arsenal are still looking to sign another elite left winger this summer.

Therefore, selling Martinelli makes logical sense. Arsenal finally crossed the finish line last season and won the Premier League title for the first time in 22 years.

There is a growing feeling that, to remain among football’s elite, Arsenal must continue improving their attacking quality and evolve further.

From a defensive perspective, Martinelli is one of the best wingers in world football. His pressing ability, energy and defensive contribution are outstanding. But Arsenal now need to prioritize attacking output in those positions. Martinelli may simply become one of the sacrifices required for the club’s next stage of evolution.