Jose Mourinho has advised Real Madrid to pursue Gabriel Martinelli from Arsenal as part of an ambitious summer recruitment drive, according to Spanish reports. The incoming manager, who is set to replace Alvaro Arbeloa on a three-year contract after his spell at Benfica, has identified the Brazilian winger as a priority target alongside Manchester City's Rodri.
Martinelli, 24, has been a fixture at Arsenal since July 2019 and is contracted with the Premier League leaders until 2027 with an additional optional year. The left-sided attacker has accumulated 62 goals and 35 assists across 275 competitive appearances for the Gunners. However, his form has dipped this season, with just one goal and three assists from 10 Premier League starts under Mikel Arteta's management. Jurgen Klopp famously dubbed him the "talent of the century" back in 2019, though consistency has proven elusive in recent months.
Mourinho's Transfer Targets
Beyond Martinelli, Mourinho has compiled a three-man attacking shortlist for Madrid's summer window. The Portuguese tactician also covets Bayern Munich winger Michael Olise and Juventus prospect Kenan Yildiz. These acquisitions reflect Mourinho's intention to reinforce Madrid's attacking depth while addressing midfield control—a persistent weakness this season that Rodri's arrival would help remedy. Club president Florentino Perez shares enthusiasm for the Spanish midfielder, viewing him as the orchestrator Madrid's midfield desperately requires.
Mourinho's return to the Bernabéu represents his first appointment at a major European club since departing Tottenham in 2021. His previous stint managing Madrid from 2010 to 2013 earned three La Liga titles and a Copa del Rey trophy. Whether Perez sanctions the ambitious spending Mourinho envisions, particularly for a player like Martinelli who Arsenal are unlikely to sell without significant resistance, will define the summer's trajectory at the Spanish capital.
