Arsenal and Saudi Arabian side Al Hilal have moved a step closer to finalising a transfer for Brazilian forward Gabriel Martinelli in recent days. Sources say the young striker is giving serious thought to a move to the Riyadh club if both parties can settle on a mutually acceptable fee.
Negotiations appear to be converging on a price tag, and insiders report that a sell‑on clause is also on the table, potentially granting Al Hilal 20 percent of any future profit Arsenal might make should Martinelli be sold again. While the Gunners are trying to secure a replacement for the departing winger, they have already identified a primary target: Julian Alvarez of Atletico Madrid.
Alvarez remains Arsenal's top priority as the summer window draws to a close, and the club hopes to land the Argentine forward before the deadline. In addition, there have been rumors linking Arsenal with Juventus prospect Kenan Yildiz, but a left‑foot injury has sidelined the young Italian for an uncertain period, according to Sky Italia.
Juventus' medical team is reportedly weighing various treatment options, including the possibility of surgery, which could keep Yildiz out for several weeks. Martinelli's exclusion from Arsenal's recent matchday squads has added fuel to the transfer speculation. 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 lack of playing time has been highlighted by Sky Sports analyst Sam Blitz, who noted that Arsenal began last season with Leandro Trossard and Martinelli as their two main left‑wing options.
If the deal with Al Hilal goes through, Arsenal will start the new campaign without either of those players. The departure would leave a noticeable gap on the left flank, a position that has already been undergoing a subtle reshuffle under Mikel Arteta. With the exit of Trossard and the potential loss of Martinelli, Christos Tzolis is emerging as the sole recognised left‑winger in the current squad. The Greek winger, who began his career in north London, has impressed during his limited opportunities, but with only a week left in the transfer window, Arsenal could find themselves thin in that area.
In recent matches, Arsenal have resorted to makeshift solutions. Eberechi Eze operated on the left wing during the win over Coventry, and Noni Madueke has also featured in that role.
Both players, however, are primarily viewed as alternatives for Bukayo Saka and Martin Ødegaard, who have had their own injury concerns and may be required elsewhere on the pitch. This situation underscores the importance of finding a reliable left‑wing option before the window shuts. Beyond the left side, Arsenal's overall attacking recruitment strategy appears to be narrowing.
While interest in Julian Alvarez persists, the Argentine has expressed a strong desire to join Barcelona, making any Arsenal move far from certain. The injury setback to Juventus' Yildiz further complicates matters for sporting director Andrea Berta, who may now need to orchestrate a significant signing in the final days of the market. 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 came in a crucial victory over Manchester City. His European record tells a different story: Martinelli netted six times in his first seven Champions League appearances, showcasing his potential on the continent, even if consistency waned towards the end of the campaign. A sale of Martinelli would likely break Arsenal's long‑standing record for the highest transfer fee received, a benchmark that has stood since Alex Oxlade‑Chamberlain's departure to Liverpool in 2017.
The club's hierarchy faces pressure to improve its transfer business, and the Brazilian's exit could be a catalyst for a more aggressive selling strategy. Former Arsenal striker Ian Wright weighed in on the situation during a Sky Sports interview. He expressed discomfort with how Martinelli has been treated, noting that the player appears to be kept out of the squad without clear communication.
Wright argued that Martinelli deserves respect for his contributions and that any decision about his future should consider his wishes. He suggested that the arrival of new signings like Vinícius Júnior or Tzolis could push Martinelli further down the pecking order, but emphasized that the club should handle the transition with dignity. In summary, the Martinelli saga illustrates the complex balancing act Arsenal faces: securing a lucrative sale, addressing a potential shortage on the left wing, and navigating the ambitions of a young talent eager for regular football.
As the transfer deadline looms, the Gunners must finalize their plans for both incoming and outgoing players to ensure they remain competitive in the upcoming Premier League season.