Arsenal and Saudi Arabian side Al Hilal appear to be narrowing the gap on a potential deal for Brazilian forward Gabriel Martinelli, according to recent reports. The young striker is reportedly weighing the prospect of a move to the Riyadh‑based club seriously, provided the two sides can hammer out mutually acceptable terms. Negotiations are said to be approaching a consensus on the transfer fee, and insiders suggest that a sell‑on clause will be embedded in the agreement, granting Al Hilal a 20 percent share of any future profit Arsenal might realise should Martinelli be sold again. This type of clause is increasingly common in modern football deals, allowing the selling club to retain a financial interest in the player's subsequent career trajectory.
While the Martinelli saga unfolds, Arsenal are also busy scouting for alternative attacking options ahead of the close of the summer window. Their primary target remains Julian Alvarez of Atletico Madrid, a dynamic Argentine forward who has attracted interest from several top European clubs.
However, Alvarez’s own ambitions appear to be leaning toward a move to Barcelona, adding another layer of uncertainty to Arsenal’s recruitment plans. In addition to Alvarez, Arsenal have been linked with Juventus forward Kenan Yildiz.
Unfortunately for the Gunners, Yildiz has suffered a left‑foot injury that could sideline him for an extended period. Sky Italia reports that Juventus’ medical team are evaluating a range of treatment pathways, including the possibility of surgery, which could keep the young striker out of action for several weeks.
This setback may force Arsenal to look elsewhere for a replacement if their primary targets become unavailable. Martinelli’s current status at the club is ambiguous.
He was omitted from the matchday squad for Arsenal’s Community Shield triumph over Manchester City and also missed the opening Premier League fixture against Coventry City. The omission has fueled speculation about his future and raised questions about the club’s plans for the left‑wing position. Last season, Arsenal relied heavily on Leandro Trossard and Martinelli as their two principal left‑wing options.
Should Martinelli depart for Al Hilal, Arsenal would be left without either of those players at the start of the new campaign. Manager Mikel Arteta has already indicated a shift in the hierarchy on that flank, with Greek winger Christos Tzolis emerging as the sole recognized left‑winger in the squad. Tzolis, who began his career in north London, has shown flashes of brilliance, but with only a week remaining in the transfer window, Arsenal risk finding themselves thin on the left side. In the interim, Arsenal have been utilising versatile players such as Eberechi Eze and Noni Madueke in makeshift left‑wing roles.
Both have provided valuable cover, but their primary responsibilities lie elsewhere – Eze often operates as an attacking midfielder, while Madueke is also deployed on the right. Their involvement on the left underscores the club’s need for a specialist winger to maintain balance and depth, especially given the injury histories of Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard, who may be required in other positions.
The club’s broader transfer strategy appears to be tightening. While interest in Alvarez persists, the Argentine’s desire to join Barcelona makes any Arsenal pursuit far from certain. Meanwhile, the injury to Yildiz could compel Juventus sporting director Andrea Berta to make a decisive move before the window shuts, potentially opening up further opportunities for Arsenal to secure a replacement.
Martinelli’s departure would mark the end of an era for a player who has become something of 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 Arteta first took charge in December 2019.
Despite a modest return of just one Premier League goal last season, that strike came in a crucial victory over Manchester City, cementing his place in the club’s recent folklore. His European record, however, tells a different story. In the Champions League, Martinelli netted six goals in his first seven appearances last season, showcasing his ability to perform on the biggest stage.
Nevertheless, a dip in confidence and consistency towards the end of the campaign led to a reduction in his playing time, fueling speculation about his future role at the club. A transfer involving Martinelli would likely break Arsenal’s existing record for player sales, a benchmark that has stood since Alex Oxlade‑Chamberlain’s move to Liverpool in 2017.
The club’s leadership has repeatedly emphasized the need to improve the quality of its outgoing transfers, and a high‑profile sale could signal a shift toward a more strategic approach in the market. Former Arsenal striker Ian Wright recently voiced his concerns to Sky Sports, highlighting the emotional toll the situation appears to be taking on the young Brazilian.
Wright said, "The way Martinelli is being treated at the moment makes me feel uncomfortable. I understand the club might want to move him on, but there are respectful ways to handle it that consider his wishes. He deserves more respect after what he’s given to the squad." Wright further explained that the arrival of new signings such as Vini Jr. and Tzolis could push Martinelli further down the pecking order, potentially leaving him feeling marginalized.
He added that seeing Martinelli sidelined without clear communication is disheartening, especially for a player who has contributed significantly to the team’s recent successes. In summary, the Martinelli saga encapsulates several key themes for Arsenal this summer: the challenge of securing quality replacements, the financial implications of a major sale, and the human element of player welfare. As the transfer window draws to a close, the club must balance the need for strategic reinforcements with the responsibility to treat its players fairly. Whether Martinelli ultimately departs for Al Hilal or remains at the Emirates, the outcome will have lasting ramifications for Arsenal’s squad composition and overall transfer philosophy.