In recent days Arsenal and Saudi Arabian side Al Hilal have moved forward in negotiations concerning the possible departure of Brazilian forward Gabriel Martinelli. The young striker appears to be seriously weighing a move to the Riyadh‑based club, provided the two sides can settle on a mutually acceptable fee. Sources close to the deal indicate that, as the clubs near an agreement on the transfer sum, a sell‑on clause is also likely to be inserted, potentially granting Al Hilal 20 percent of any future profit Arsenal might make should Martinelli be sold again. While the Martinelli saga unfolds, Arsenal are already looking ahead to replenish their attacking options before the transfer window shuts.
Their primary target remains Julian Álvarez of Atlético Madrid, who is seen as the most promising forward on their shortlist. In addition, there have been rumours linking the Gunners with Juventus forward Kenan Yıldız. However, Yıldız has suffered a left‑foot injury that could sideline him for an extended period, according to Sky Italia. Juventus’ medical team is reportedly exploring several treatment pathways, including the possibility of surgery, which could keep the striker out for several weeks.
Martinelli’s absence from the squad was noticeable in recent fixtures. He was omitted from the matchday roster for the Community Shield triumph over Manchester City and also did not feature in the opening Premier League victory against Coventry City.
This omission has sparked debate among fans and pundits about the club’s handling of the player. Sam Blitz of Sky Sports highlighted that Arsenal began last season with Leandro Trossard and Martinelli as their two principal left‑wingers. Should the Brazilian’s move to Al Hilal materialise, Arsenal will be left without either of those options at the start of the new campaign. Manager Mikel Arteta is already reshaping the left‑wing role, with Greek youngster Christos Tzolis emerging as the sole recognised left‑winger in the current squad.
Tzolis, who began his career in north London, has impressed with his pace and technical ability, but with only a week remaining in the transfer window, Arsenal risk being thin in that area. In the meantime, Arsenal have found temporary cover on the left flank. Eberechi Eze was deployed as a left‑winger in the win over Coventry, and Noni Madueke has also featured in that position.
Both players are primarily used to provide depth and competition for established stars such as Bukayo Saka and Martin Ødegaard, who have had intermittent injury problems and may be called upon in other roles. The club’s broader attacking recruitment strategy appears to be narrowing.
While interest in Álvarez persists, his personal ambition to join Barcelona makes any deal uncertain. With Yıldız now injured, Juventus sporting director Andrea Berta may need to orchestrate a significant signing before the window closes.
Martinelli’s legacy at Arsenal is that of a cult hero. He is one of only three players – alongside Saka and Reiss Nelson – who were part of the squad when Arteta took over in December 2019.
Despite scoring just one Premier League goal last season, that strike was a decisive winner against Manchester City, cementing his reputation among supporters. His performances in Europe, however, were far more prolific; he netted six goals in his first seven Champions League appearances, demonstrating a knack for rising to the occasion on the continental stage, even if consistency waned toward the season’s end. A transfer involving Martinelli would likely break Arsenal’s long‑standing record for the highest sale, a benchmark set nine years ago when Alex Oxlade‑Chamberlain departed for Liverpool in 2017.
The club’s hierarchy faces pressure to improve its transfer dealings, and the Brazilian’s exit could be a catalyst for a more aggressive sales policy. Former Arsenal forward Ian Wright recently voiced his concerns to Sky Sports, expressing discomfort with how Martinelli is being treated. Wright said, "The way Martinelli is being handled makes me uneasy. I understand the club may want to move him on, and many will argue it's time, but the process should respect the player’s wishes.
He’s been left out of squads, not spoken to, and seems unaware of what’s happening. He deserves more respect after his contributions. If Arsenal bring in Vini Júlio and Tzolis, Martinelli might feel he’s dropped to third in the pecking order. Yet if they also add Madueke, he could still see a role for himself.
Excluding him entirely feels unfair and sad for the player." Beyond the immediate transfer talk, Arsenal must also consider the tactical implications of losing a versatile attacker. Martinelli’s ability to operate across the front line, his work rate, and his knack for breaking defensive lines have been integral to Arteta’s system. Replacing those attributes will likely require a combination of internal development and external signings, perhaps prompting the club to look at emerging talents from their academy or to scout the European market for a player who can deliver pace, creativity, and goal‑scoring threat. In summary, the Martinelli deal is at a critical juncture, with financial terms, sell‑on clauses, and player preferences all in play.
Arsenal’s parallel pursuit of new forwards, the injury setbacks to potential targets, and the strategic reshaping of the left‑wing position all add layers of complexity. How the club navigates these challenges will shape the squad’s composition for the upcoming season and could set a precedent for future transfer negotiations.