Arsenal and Saudi Arabian side Al Hilal have reportedly moved a step nearer to finalising a transfer for Brazilian forward Gabriel Martinelli. Sources say the young striker is giving serious thought to a move to Riyadh, provided the two clubs can hammer out a mutually acceptable fee. As negotiations progress, a sell‑on clause is also expected to be inserted into the deal, potentially guaranteeing Al Hilal 20 percent of any future profit Arsenal might make should Martinelli be sold again. The Gunners, meanwhile, are already looking ahead to the summer window’s closing days, scouting fresh attacking options to replace the departing talent.
Their primary target remains Julian Alvarez of Atletico Madrid, although the Argentine’s own ambitions of a switch to Barcelona keep the transfer uncertain. In addition, reports have linked Arsenal with Juventus forward Kenan Yildiz, but a recent left‑foot injury could sideline the 21‑year‑old for an extended period, according to Sky Italia.
Juventus’ medical team is reportedly weighing several treatment pathways, including the possibility of surgery that could keep Yildiz out for several weeks. Martinelli was omitted from Arsenal’s match‑day squads for both the Community Shield triumph over Manchester City and the opening Premier League victory against Coventry City, fueling speculation about his future at the club. The omission has drawn attention from fans and pundits alike, as Arsenal’s left‑wing department appears to be in flux.
Last season, Arsenal relied heavily on the partnership of Leandro Trossard and Martinelli as their principal left‑wing threats. Should Martinelli’s move to Al Hilal materialise, the Gunners will start the new campaign without either of those options.
Manager Mikel Arteta is already reshaping the role, with Greek winger Christos Tzolis emerging as the sole recognised left‑wing specialist in the current squad. Tzolis, who began his career in north London, has shown flashes of brilliance, yet with only a week remaining in the transfer window Arsenal risk a shortage of depth on that flank. In the meantime, versatile 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 competitors for established stars Bukayo Saka and Martin Ødegaard, whose injury histories mean they may be required in alternative positions as the season progresses. Arsenal’s broader attacking recruitment strategy appears to be tightening. While Alvarez remains on the radar, his personal desire to join Barcelona makes any deal far from certain. With Yildiz now injured, Juventus sporting director Andrea Berta may need to orchestrate a significant acquisition before the window shuts, adding further pressure on Arsenal’s scouting department.
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 scoring just one Premier League goal last season, that strike came in a crucial win over Manchester City, cementing his reputation among supporters. His record in Europe, however, tells a different story.
Martinelli netted six goals in his first seven Champions League appearances last season, demonstrating a knack for delivering on the biggest stage. Yet a dip in confidence and consistency toward the end of the campaign left many questioning whether he could sustain that level over a full season.
Financially, a sale of Martinelli could shatter Arsenal’s long‑standing transfer record, which has stood since Alex Oxlade‑Chamberlain’s move to Liverpool in 2017. The club’s hierarchy faces mounting pressure to improve its trading model, and a high‑profile departure could serve as a catalyst for a more aggressive approach in the market. Former Arsenal striker Ian Wright recently voiced his concerns to Sky Sports, describing the handling of Martinelli’s situation as "uncomfortable".
Wright argued that, even if the club wishes to move the player on, the process should respect Martinelli’s wishes and provide clear communication. He highlighted the psychological impact of being excluded from the squad and left out of discussions, noting that the young Brazilian deserves a degree of respect for his contributions over the years. Wright added that the arrival of new signings such as Vinícius Júnior or Tzolis could push Martinelli further down the pecking order, potentially to third choice on the left. However, he suggested that if Arsenal balances its recruitment—perhaps by pairing Tzolis with Madueke on opposite wings—Martinelli could still feel he has a role to play.
The former England international expressed sadness at the prospect of the Brazilian being completely sidelined. In summary, the Martinelli saga encapsulates several intertwined themes: a promising talent seeking a fresh challenge, a club navigating a tight transfer window, and the broader financial realities of modern football. Whether the deal with Al Hilal materialises or not, the outcome will have lasting implications for Arsenal’s squad composition, their financial strategy, and the morale of a player who has become a fan favourite. The next few days will be crucial as negotiations conclude, medical reports are finalised, and the transfer market’s final moves are set in stone.