Arsenal and Saudi Arabian side Al Hilal have reportedly moved a step forward in negotiations over the future of Brazilian forward Gabriel Martinelli. Sources say the 23‑year‑old is seriously weighing a move to Riyadh, provided the two clubs can settle on a satisfactory fee. The emerging deal appears to include a sell‑on clause that would grant Arsenal 20 percent of any future profit should Al Hilal later sell the player.
While the financial terms are being hammered out, Arsenal are already looking ahead to the upcoming transfer window to shore up their attacking options. Their primary target remains Julian Álvarez of Atlético Madrid, who continues to be linked with a summer switch to North London.
In addition, there have been whispers about a possible pursuit of Juventus striker Kenan Yıldız, although the Turkish forward has suffered a left‑foot injury that could keep him sidelined for an extended period. Sky Italy reports that Juventus’ medical team are exploring various treatment pathways and have not ruled out surgery, which would further delay any potential move.
Martinelli’s situation at Arsenal has become increasingly precarious. He was omitted from the matchday squad for the Community Shield triumph over Manchester City and also missed the opening Premier League fixture against Coventry City. The omission has fueled speculation that the club is preparing to part ways with the Brazilian, who has been a fan favourite since joining the academy. Martinelli was one of only three players – alongside Bukayo Saka and Reiss Nelson – still present in the squad when Mikel Arteta took over in December 2019.
Arteta’s side began last season with Leandro Trossard and Martinelli as the principal left‑wing options. If the Al Hilal deal goes through, Arsenal will be left without either of those players at the start of the new campaign.
The club appears to be reshaping the left‑wing role, with Greek youngster Christos Tzolis emerging as the sole recognized left‑winger on the roster. Tzolis, who has already shown flashes of brilliance in north‑London, could become the primary option, but Arsenal still have a week left in the transfer window to address any depth concerns.
In the meantime, Arsenal have used makeshift solutions to cover the left flank. Eberechi Eze featured on the left wing in the victory over Coventry, and Noni Madueke has also been deployed in that position.
Both players, however, are primarily viewed as understudies for Saka and Martin Ødegaard, who have struggled with injury histories and may be required elsewhere on the pitch. Consequently, the club’s attacking recruitment strategy is being trimmed.
While Álvarez remains a coveted target, his desire to join Barcelona adds a layer of uncertainty to the pursuit. The injury to Juventus’ Yıldız may force sporting director Andrea Berta to engineer a significant signing before the window closes. Meanwhile, Martinelli’s departure would mark a historic moment for Arsenal’s transfer records. Any fee received for the Brazilian would likely eclipse the club’s previous sale record, which has stood since Alex Oxlade‑Chamberlain’s move to Liverpool in 2017.
Martinelli’s legacy at the Emirates is notable. He was part of the squad that lifted the Community Shield and has been a cult figure among supporters. Although he managed only one Premier League goal last season – a decisive strike against Manchester City – his impact in the UEFA Champions League was far more pronounced, netting six goals in his first seven appearances in the competition. Nevertheless, a dip in consistency and confidence toward the end of that campaign has raised questions about his long‑term role.
Former Arsenal striker Ian Wright recently voiced his concerns to Sky Sports, expressing discomfort with the way Martinelli is being handled. Wright said, "The way Martinelli is being treated at the moment makes me feel uncomfortable. I know some people think it’s time for him to move on, but there are respectful ways to manage a transfer that consider the player’s wishes.
He’s been a key part of this squad and deserves more respect than he’s receiving now." Wright further warned that bringing in new signings such as Vini Júnior or Tzolis could push Martinelli further down the pecking order, potentially leaving him feeling marginalised. He argued that a balanced approach, perhaps retaining Martinelli as a viable option alongside emerging talents like Madueke, would be a fairer treatment for the Brazilian. As the deadline approaches, Arsenal must decide whether to retain Martinelli as a squad player or to capitalise on his market value and secure a record‑breaking fee. The decision will have ramifications not only for the club’s finances but also for its tactical flexibility on the left side of the pitch.
Fans and pundits alike will be watching closely to see how the Gunners navigate this pivotal moment in their transfer strategy.