The Expiring Contract Double Feature
The summer of 2026 features an unusually strong class of wingers entering their final contract year. Two of the most interesting names are Gabriel Martinelli at Arsenal and Karim Adeyemi at Borussia Dortmund. Both are fast, direct, and proven at the highest level. Both could be available at below market value.
Gabriel Martinelli
Martinelli is a 24-year-old Brazilian left winger at Arsenal. His OVR of 85 and market value of €40.5-49.5M reflect a player who has been one of the most consistent wide attackers in the Premier League. His deal score of 77 reflects the urgency of his contract situation.
At his best, Martinelli is unplayable. His pressing intensity, direct running, and ability to score from nothing make him a nightmare for defenders. The question has always been consistency, but at 24, he is entering the age where wide players typically put it all together.
If Arsenal cannot agree on an extension, there will be no shortage of suitors. A player of his quality available at a discount is rare in the modern market.
Karim Adeyemi
Adeyemi is a 23-year-old German right winger at Borussia Dortmund. His OVR of 84 and market value of €36-44M make him slightly more affordable than Martinelli, and his deal score of 80 is the highest among established players in the expiring contract list.
Adeyemi’s raw pace is his superpower. He is one of the fastest players in the Bundesliga, and his improvement in decision-making and end product over the past season has made him a more complete attacker. His versatility across the front line adds to his value.
The Market Dynamic
Both players present similar opportunities for buying clubs. With 12 months remaining on their contracts, the selling clubs face a dilemma: extend, sell, or risk losing the player for nothing. For buying clubs, this creates leverage to negotiate fees well below market value.
The combined deal scores (77 and 80) place both players among the top expiring contract opportunities in European football. The window to act is now, before the transfer window opens on June 15 and competition intensifies.
Where Could They Land?
Martinelli has been linked with clubs in Serie A and Saudi Arabia. Adeyemi has admirers in the Premier League and La Liga. Both would represent significant upgrades for most Champions League-level clubs. The key is timing: the earlier a club moves, the better the deal.
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