In recent days, negotiations between Arsenal and Saudi Arabian side Al Hilal have moved forward concerning a possible transfer of Brazilian forward Gabriel Martinelli. Sources close to the deal say the young striker is seriously entertaining the idea of a move to Riyadh, provided the two clubs can settle on a satisfactory fee. As the two parties edge toward an agreement, it is expected that a sell‑on clause will be incorporated, likely granting Al Hilal around 20 percent of any future profit Arsenal might make should Martinelli be sold again.
While the Arsenal board is busy hammering out the terms of Martinelli's exit, the Gunners are also scouting fresh attacking options ahead of the closing days of the summer window. Their primary target remains Julian Alvarez of Atletico Madrid, a dynamic Argentine forward who has been linked with a move to north London ever since the start of the season. Alvarez is still their top priority, although his own ambitions appear to be leaning toward a high‑profile switch to Barcelona, which adds another layer of uncertainty to the pursuit.
In addition to Alvarez, Arsenal have been rumored to be monitoring Juventus prospect Kenan Yildiz. However, Yildiz suffered a left‑foot injury that could keep him out for an extended period, according to Sky Italia. Juventus’ medical team is reportedly exploring several treatment pathways, including the possibility of surgery, but have not ruled out a more conservative approach. The injury situation complicates Arsenal’s contingency planning, as they need to ensure sufficient depth on the left wing once the transfer window shuts.
Martinelli’s recent absence from the matchday squads has been noticeable. He was omitted from the line‑up for the Community Shield triumph over Manchester City and also did not feature in the opening Premier League victory against Coventry City.
The omission has fueled speculation that the club is preparing to move him on, and it has also raised questions about the depth of Arsenal’s options on the left flank. Last season, Arsenal relied heavily on the partnership of Leandro Trossard and Martinelli to provide width and firepower from the left side.
If Martinelli departs, Arsenal will be left without either of those established wingers. Manager Mikel Arteta is already reshaping the left‑wing role, with Greek youngster Christos Tzolis emerging as the sole recognized left‑wing specialist in the current squad.
Tzolis, who began his professional career in north London, has shown flashes of brilliance, but with only a week remaining in the transfer window, Arsenal could find themselves thin in that area. In the short term, the club has been using makeshift solutions. Eberechi Eze was deployed on the left wing in the win over Coventry, providing a temporary cover, and Noni Madueke has also featured in that position on occasion.
Both Eze and Madueke are primarily used as attacking midfielders or right‑wingers, and their involvement on the left is largely to fill the gap left by the absence of a specialist. Their versatility is valuable, yet they also serve as competition for the club’s marquee players Bukayo Saka and Martin Ødegaard, whose injury histories mean they may be required elsewhere in the squad. The broader transfer strategy at Arsenal appears to be slimming down the list of targets.
While interest in Julian Alvarez persists, his desire to join Barcelona makes any Arsenal deal uncertain. With Yildiz now sidelined, sporting director Andrea Berta may need to make a decisive move before the window closes, possibly turning his attention to other markets or promoting academy talent. 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 goal came in a crucial match against Manchester City, cementing his status among the fanbase. His performances in the Champions League, however, were far more prolific; he netted six goals in his first seven appearances in the competition, showcasing his ability to deliver on the biggest stage, even if consistency waned toward the end of the campaign.
A sale of Martinelli would likely shatter Arsenal’s record for the highest fee received for a player, a benchmark that has stood since Alex Oxlade‑Chamberlain’s departure to Liverpool in 2017. Breaking that record could provide the club with significant financial flexibility, but it also raises questions about the club’s overall transfer philosophy. Some analysts argue that Arsenal must improve its selling strategy to remain competitive, and Martinelli could be the catalyst for that shift.
Former Arsenal striker Ian Wright voiced his concerns on Sky Sports, expressing discomfort with how the club has handled Martinelli’s situation. Wright said, "The way Martinelli is being treated at the moment makes me feel uncomfortable.
I know they might want him out, and many will say it's time for him to move on, but there are ways to do that that respect the player’s wishes." He continued, "He’s not being spoken to, he doesn’t know what’s happening, and after everything he’s done for the club, he deserves more respect. If you bring in Vini (Reina) or Tzolis, Martinelli might feel he’s dropped to third in the pecking order, but if you give him a clear path and involve him in the process, it would be far more dignified." Beyond the immediate transfer drama, Arsenal’s broader tactical outlook is evolving.
Arteta has been experimenting with different formations, often deploying a back three with wing‑backs to provide width, which could mitigate the loss of a traditional left winger. The emergence of players like Tzolis, Eze, and Madueke suggests that the club is banking on youthful versatility to fill gaps, while also keeping an eye on the January market for more permanent solutions. In summary, the Martinelli saga encapsulates several intersecting themes: the financial imperatives driving Arsenal’s sales, the tactical adjustments required by potential departures, the competition for top‑flight talent across Europe, and the human element of player treatment.
As the transfer deadline looms, all eyes will be on whether Arsenal can finalize a deal that satisfies both clubs financially and offers Martinelli a fresh challenge, while simultaneously ensuring the Gunners retain sufficient quality on the left side to compete on multiple fronts throughout the upcoming season.