In recent days, negotiations between Arsenal and Saudi Arabian club Al Hilal have moved forward regarding the possible departure of Brazilian forward Gabriel Martinelli. Sources say Martinelli is giving serious thought to a move to Riyadh, provided the two sides can settle on a transfer fee that satisfies both parties. The financial aspects of the deal appear to be nearing a conclusion, and reports suggest that a sell‑on clause will be incorporated, granting Arsenal 20 percent of any future profit that Al Hilal might realise should they later sell the player. This type of clause is common in modern transfer agreements and would allow the Gunners to benefit from any subsequent increase in Martinelli's market value.
While the club’s attention is focused on finalising Martinelli’s exit, Arsenal are simultaneously scouting for new attacking options before the summer window shuts. Their primary target remains Julian Álvarez of Atlético Madrid, a dynamic Argentine striker who has attracted considerable interest.
However, the Gunners are also linked with Juventus forward Kenan Yıldız, although his recent left‑foot injury could keep him sidelined for an extended period. Sky Italia reports that Juventus’ medical team is exploring various treatment pathways and has not ruled out surgery, which could mean weeks of recovery for Yıldız.
Martinelli’s omission from Arsenal’s recent matchday squads – he was not named for the Community Shield triumph over Manchester City nor for the opening league victory against Coventry City – has added fuel to the speculation surrounding his future. The lack of playing time has left fans and pundits questioning the club’s plans for the left‑wing position.
Last season, Arsenal relied heavily on Leandro Trossard and Martinelli as their principal left‑wingers. If the Brazilian’s transfer to Al Hilal materialises, both of those options will be gone, prompting a reshuffle of the squad’s attacking layout. Manager Mikel Arteta appears to be orchestrating a subtle transformation on that flank, with Greek winger Christos Tzolis emerging as the only recognized left‑wing specialist currently on the books. Tzolis, who began his career in north London, has shown flashes of brilliance, but with only a week left in the transfer window, Arsenal risk finding themselves thin in that area.
In recent matches, Eberechi Eze and Noni Madueke have been deployed on the left side, offering temporary cover. Both players, however, are also expected to provide competition for established stars Bukayo Saka and Martin Ødegaard, whose injury histories mean they could be required elsewhere on the pitch. The club’s broader attacking recruitment strategy is also being trimmed.
While interest in Álvarez persists, the Argentine’s personal ambition appears to be a move to Barcelona, making any Arsenal pursuit uncertain. Meanwhile, the injury blow to Juventus’ Yıldız may force sporting director Andrea Berta to act swiftly in the final days of the window, potentially opening up alternative targets for Arsenal.
Martinelli’s legacy at the Emirates is that of a cult figure. 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 came in a crucial win against Manchester City. His European record tells a different story: he netted six times in his first seven Champions League outings, demonstrating a knack for performing on the continent’s biggest stage, even if consistency waned toward the end of the campaign. Should a deal go through, it would likely break Arsenal’s long‑standing transfer record, which has stood since Alex Oxlade‑Chamberlain’s departure to Liverpool in 2017.
The club has faced criticism for not maximising its selling potential, and the Martinelli transaction could serve as a benchmark for future business. The question remains whether the Brazilian’s exit will signal a new era of more lucrative sales for the Gunners.
Former Arsenal striker Ian Wright voiced his concerns to Sky Sports, expressing discomfort with how Martinelli is being handled. Wright said, “The way Martinelli is being treated at the moment makes me feel uneasy. I understand the club might want him to leave, and many will say it’s time, but there are respectful ways to manage a transfer that consider the player’s wishes.” He highlighted the lack of communication, noting that Martinelli appears unaware of his standing within the squad.
Wright added, “If you bring in Vini Jovic or Tzolis, Martinelli might feel he’s dropped to third in the pecking order, but if you give him a clear path, it would show more respect.” In summary, the Arsenal‑Al Hilal negotiations are progressing, with a potential sell‑on clause on the table and a looming decision for Martinelli. At the same time, Arsenal’s search for a new left‑wing talent and a proven striker intensifies as the window draws to a close.
The club must balance the need to refresh its attacking options with the desire to handle Martinelli’s departure in a manner that honours his contributions and maintains squad harmony. The outcome of these talks will shape Arsenal’s transfer strategy and could set a precedent for how the club conducts future sales.