In recent days, Arsenal and Saudi Arabian side Al Hilal have moved closer to sealing a transfer for Brazilian forward Gabriel Martinelli. Sources say the young striker is giving serious thought to a move to Riyadh, provided the two clubs can hammer out an agreement on the fee.
Negotiations appear to be nearing a conclusion, with reports indicating that a sell‑on clause – potentially worth 20 percent of any future profit – will be incorporated into the deal. While Martinelli’s future hangs in the balance, Arsenal are already scouting for new attacking options ahead of the transfer deadline. Their primary target remains Julian Álvarez of Atlético Madrid, who is viewed as the most promising forward to fill the void that would be left by Martinelli’s departure.
In addition, the Gunners have been linked with Juventus prospect Kenan Yıldız, although the Turkish‑born winger has suffered a left‑foot injury that could sideline him for an extended period. Sky Italia reports that Juventus’ medical team is exploring several treatment pathways and has not ruled out surgery, which could keep Yıldız out for weeks. Martinelli was omitted from Arsenal’s matchday squads for both the Community Shield triumph over Manchester City and the opening Premier League win against Coventry City, fueling speculation about his standing at the club.
The absence has been noted by Sky Sports analyst Sam Blitz, who highlighted that last season Arsenal relied on Leandro Trossard and Martinelli as their primary left‑wing options. Should the Saudi deal go through, Arsenal will start the new campaign without either of those players, prompting a reshuffle on the left flank. Mikel Arteta’s side is already experimenting with a new configuration on that side of the pitch. Greek winger Christos Tzolis, who joined the club earlier, appears to be the sole recognized left‑winger in the current squad.
Tzolis has shown flashes of brilliance in north London, but with the transfer window winding down, Arsenal risk being left short on a specialist left‑winger. In the meantime, players such as Eberechi Eze and Noni Madueke have been deployed in makeshift left‑wing roles, offering temporary cover. Both Eze and Madueke also serve as important backups for Bukayo Saka and Martin Ødegaard, who have struggled with injuries and may be needed in other positions. The Gunners’ pursuit of new attacking talent is narrowing.
While Álvarez remains on Arsenal’s radar, his personal ambition appears to be a move to Barcelona rather than a switch to north London. With Yıldız now injured, Juventus sporting director Andrea Berta may be forced to make a decisive move before the window closes, potentially targeting a different forward to fill Arsenal’s needs. Martinelli’s departure would mark the end of an era for a player who has become a cult figure at the Emirates.
He is one of only three Arsenal players – alongside Saka and Reiss Nelson – who were part of the squad when Artetta took charge in December 2019. Despite scoring just one Premier League goal last season, that strike came in a crucial win over Manchester City. In European competition, however, Martinelli shone, netting six goals in his first seven Champions League appearances, although his confidence waned towards the end of the campaign.
A transfer involving Martinelli would likely break Arsenal’s record sale, a benchmark that has stood since Alex Oxlade‑Chamberlain’s move to Liverpool in 2017. The club’s hierarchy faces pressure to improve its transfer business, and off‑loading the Brazilian could be seen as a step in that direction.
Former Arsenal striker Ian Wright voiced his concerns on Sky Sports, describing the handling of Martinelli’s situation as “uncomfortable.” Wright argued that, even if the club wishes to move the player on, the process should respect the player’s wishes and maintain clear communication. He lamented that Martinelli has been left out of squads and uninformed about his status, which he believes is a disservice to a player who has contributed significantly to the team. Wright also warned that bringing in new signings such as Vinícius Júnior or Tzolis could push Martinelli further down the pecking order, potentially demotivating him. He suggested that if Arsenal can balance the arrival of fresh talent with opportunities for existing players like Martinelli, the squad will retain depth and morale.
Beyond the immediate transfer drama, the situation underscores broader questions about Arsenal’s strategic planning. The club must decide whether to prioritize immediate replacements or invest in longer‑term prospects. The potential sale of Martinelli could provide funds to secure a proven striker, but it also risks weakening the squad’s depth on the left side, especially if injuries strike.
In summary, the negotiations between Arsenal and Al Hilal are advancing, with a probable sell‑on clause on the table. Arsenal’s search for a new forward continues, with Álvarez as the front‑runner and other options being explored amid injury setbacks.
The departure of Martinelli would close a chapter on a player who has been with the club since Artetta’s early days, and it may set a new financial benchmark for the Gunners. How the club manages this transition, both in terms of communication with the player and strategic reinvestment, will likely influence its performance in the upcoming season.