Arsenal and Saudi Arabian side Al Hilal appear to be moving forward rapidly on a potential deal for Brazilian forward Gabriel Martinelli. Sources close to the negotiations say that the player is giving serious thought to a move to Riyadh, provided the two clubs can hammer out a satisfactory agreement on the transfer fee.
The financial terms are said to be nearing a final figure, and discussions are also underway about a sell‑on clause that would grant Al Hilal roughly 20 percent of any future profit Arsenal might make should Martinelli be sold again. While the Martinelli saga unfolds, Arsenal are already looking ahead to reinforce their attacking options before the summer window shuts. Their primary target remains Julian Álvarez of Atlético Madrid, a dynamic Argentine striker who has been linked with a move to the Emirates Stadium.
However, the Gunners are also monitoring other possibilities, including Juventus forward Kenan Yıldız. Unfortunately for Arsenal, Yıldız has suffered a left‑foot injury that could keep him sidelined for an extended period. Sky Italy reports that Juventus’ medical team is exploring several treatment pathways and has not ruled out surgery, which would further delay any potential transfer.
Martinelli was notably absent from Arsenal’s matchday squads for both the Community Shield triumph over Manchester City and the opening Premier League victory against Coventry City. His omission has fueled speculation about his future and added urgency to the club’s transfer plans. In a broader context, Arsenal’s left‑wing department is undergoing a subtle transformation.
Last season, Leandro Trossard and Martinelli were the primary left‑wingers, but if the Brazilian departs, Arsenal will be left without either of those options. Manager Mikel Arteta appears to be positioning Christos Tzolis as the main left‑wing prospect, with the Greek youngster showing flashes of promise in training and limited first‑team action. The timing of the potential sale is critical. With only a week left in the transfer window, Arsenal risk finding themselves thin on the left flank if Martinelli’s exit is confirmed and no immediate replacement arrives.
In the meantime, players such as Eberechi Eze and Noni Madueke have been deployed on the left side in recent matches, providing temporary cover. Both Eze and Madueke also serve as important squad players who compete with Bukayo Saka and Martin Ødegaard for minutes, especially given the injury histories of those two key figures. On the offensive front, Arsenal’s shopping list is being trimmed. While interest in Álvarez remains, the Argentine has expressed a strong desire to join Barcelona, making his acquisition uncertain.
The injury to Yıldız further complicates matters for Arsenal’s sporting director Andrea Berta, who may need to make a decisive move before the deadline to secure a quality forward. Martinelli’s departure would mark the end of an era for a player who has become a cult figure at the club. He is one of only three Arsenal players – alongside Saka and Reiss Nelson – who were part of the squad when Arteta took charge in December 2019.
Despite scoring just one Premier League goal last season, that goal came in a crucial win over Manchester City. His record in European competition, however, was far more impressive, with six goals in his first seven Champions League appearances, highlighting his potential on the biggest stage. Financially, a sale of Martinelli could shatter Arsenal’s long‑standing record for the highest fee received for a player.
The current benchmark was set nine years ago when Alex Oxlade‑Chamberlain was sold to Liverpool for a fee that has not been eclipsed since. A deal for the Brazilian could therefore represent a significant boost to Arsenal’s balance sheet and provide much‑needed capital for reinvestment.
Former Arsenal striker Ian Wright recently voiced his concerns to Sky Sports, describing the handling of Martinelli’s situation as “uncomfortable.” Wright argued that, while the club may be eager to move the player on, any decision should respect Martinelli’s wishes and be communicated transparently. He lamented the lack of communication with the player, noting that Martinelli appears to be left in the dark about his future, which is unfair to someone who has contributed significantly to the team’s recent successes.
Wright also highlighted the potential impact on squad morale. He suggested that bringing in new signings such as Vinícius Júnior or Christos Tzolis could push Martinelli further down the pecking order, but that maintaining a competitive environment with players like Madueke and Eze could still give the Brazilian a chance to fight for his place. The former striker expressed sadness at seeing a player of Martinelli’s calibre being sidelined without clear communication.
In summary, the Martinelli transfer saga encapsulates several key themes for Arsenal: the need to balance financial prudence with squad depth, the importance of transparent player management, and the challenge of finding suitable replacements in a compressed transfer window. As negotiations continue, fans will be watching closely to see whether the Brazilian will embark on a new chapter in Saudi Arabia or remain at the Emirates to fight for his place under Arteta’s evolving tactical plans.