In recent days Arsenal and Saudi Arabian side Al Hilal have moved a step closer to completing a transfer for Brazilian forward Gabriel Martinelli. Sources say Martinelli is giving serious thought to a move to Riyadh, provided the two clubs can settle on a satisfactory fee. Negotiations appear to be nearing a conclusion, with reports indicating that a sell‑on clause could be included, granting Al Hilal roughly 20% of any future profit Arsenal might make should the player be sold again. While the Martinelli deal is being hammered out, Arsenal are already scouting potential replacements for the left‑wing position before the transfer window shuts.
Their primary target remains Julian Alvarez of Atletico Madrid, who has been identified as the Gunners' top priority. In addition, the club has been linked with Juventus striker Kenan Yildiz, although the forward has suffered a left‑foot injury that could keep him sidelined for an extended period. Sky Italia reports that Juventus' medical team is exploring various treatment options and has not ruled out surgery, which might further delay Yildiz's availability.
Martinelli was omitted from Arsenal's matchday squads for both the Community Shield triumph over Manchester City and the opening Premier League victory against Coventry City. His absence has sparked discussion among fans and pundits about the club's evolving left‑wing options. Last season, Arsenal relied heavily on Leandro Trossard and Martinelli as their main wide attackers on the left flank.
If Martinelli departs for Al Hilal, both of those players will be gone, leaving a noticeable gap. Mikel Arteta's side appears to be reshaping the role of the left winger, with Greek youngster Christos Tzolis emerging as the sole recognised specialist for that position within the current squad. Tzolis, who began his career in north London, has shown promise, but with only a week left in the window Arsenal risk finding themselves short‑handed on that side of the pitch.
In recent matches, Eberechi Eze and Noni Madueke have been deployed on the left, offering temporary cover. Both players also serve as important backups for Bukayo Saka and Martin Ødegaard, who have had recurring injury problems and may be needed elsewhere in the lineup.
Arsenal's transfer agenda is being trimmed as the deadline approaches. Interest in Julian Alvarez remains, but the Argentine forward has expressed a strong desire to join Barcelona, making a move to Arsenal uncertain. Meanwhile, with Yildiz injured, Juventus sporting director Andrea Berta may need to act quickly to secure a last‑minute signing before the window closes.
Martinelli has become something of a cult figure at the Emirates. He is one of only three 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 strike came against Manchester City and was highly valued by supporters.
His record in Europe, however, was more impressive: he netted six times in his first seven Champions League appearances, though his confidence waned toward the end of the campaign. Should Arsenal complete a sale, the fee would likely break the club's existing record for a player departure, a benchmark set nine years ago when Alex Oxlade‑Chamberlain left for Liverpool in 2017. The financial windfall could be crucial for Arsenal, who have been urged to improve their transfer business and generate more revenue from player sales. Former Arsenal striker Ian Wright recently voiced his concerns to Sky Sports about how Martinelli is being handled.
Wright said he feels uncomfortable with the way the Brazilian has been treated, noting that the player appears to be left out of squad communications and uncertain about his future. He argued that Martinelli deserves respect after his contributions and suggested that the club should manage his exit in a way that acknowledges his role.
Wright also warned that bringing in new signings like Vinícius Júnior or Tzolis could push Martinelli further down the pecking order, potentially leaving him feeling marginalized. The broader context of Arsenal's left‑wing situation underscores the club's need for strategic planning. With Tzolis, Eze, and Madueke all capable of filling the role to varying degrees, the Gunners must decide whether to invest in a proven Premier League talent like Alvarez or to explore alternative markets. The outcome of the Martinelli negotiations will likely influence Arsenal's budget and their ability to pursue other targets.
In summary, the Martinelli saga highlights the complex interplay of player ambition, club finances, and squad dynamics. Arsenal are keen to secure a lucrative deal that could fund future acquisitions, while Al Hilal aim to add a young, dynamic Brazilian to their roster.
As the transfer deadline looms, fans will be watching closely to see whether the deal materialises and how Arsenal will reshape their attacking options for the upcoming season.