In recent days, negotiations between Arsenal and Saudi Arabian club Al Hilal have moved forward concerning the possible departure of Brazilian forward Gabriel Martinelli. Sources indicate that Martinelli is seriously entertaining the idea of joining Al Hilal, provided the two sides can reach a satisfactory financial arrangement. The clubs appear to be nearing an agreement on the transfer fee, and reports suggest that a sell‑on clause will be incorporated, granting Arsenal roughly 20 percent of any future profit that Al Hilal might realise if they later sell the player. This clause would help the Gunners recoup some value should Martinelli’s market price rise after his move to the Middle East.
While the Martinelli saga unfolds, Arsenal are already scouting alternative attacking options ahead of the transfer‑window deadline. Their primary target remains Julian Álvarez of Atlético Madrid, a dynamic Argentine striker who has been linked with a move to north London.
In addition, there have been whispers about Juventus forward Kenan Yıldız, although the Turkish‑born youngster has suffered a left‑foot injury that could keep him sidelined for an extended period. Sky Italia reports that Juventus’ medical team are exploring various treatment pathways, including the possibility of surgery, which would further delay any potential transfer. Martinelli’s exclusion from Arsenal’s recent matchday squads has raised eyebrows. He was omitted from the Community Shield triumph over Manchester City and also did not feature in the opening Premier League fixture against Coventry City.
The omission fuels speculation that the club may be preparing to move him on, while also giving the player time to consider his future. From a tactical standpoint, Martinelli’s potential exit would leave Arsenal without a natural left‑winger.
Last season, the Gunners relied heavily on Leandro Trossard and Martinelli to provide width on that side. If the Brazilian departs, the club will have to rely on a relatively thin pool of options.
Christos Tzolis, the Greek winger, is currently the only recognized left‑wing specialist in the squad, but his experience at the top level is limited. In the short term, Arsenal have used Eberechi Eze and Noni Madueke as makeshift left‑wingers, but both players are also expected to compete for places alongside Bukayo Saka and Martin Ødegaard, who have had their own injury concerns. The left‑wing situation becomes even more precarious with only a week left in the transfer window. Arsenal must decide whether to invest in a proven left‑wing talent or to trust the development of their younger players.
The club’s attacking recruitment strategy appears to be narrowing; while interest in Álvarez persists, his personal ambition to join Barcelona makes any deal uncertain. Meanwhile, the injury to Yıldız could force Juventus sporting director Andrea Berta to pursue an alternative signing in the final days of the window. Martinelli’s legacy at Arsenal is noteworthy.
He is one of only three players – alongside Saka and Reiss Nelson – who were part of the squad when Mikel Arteta took charge in December 2019. Although his Premier League goal tally last season was modest – just a single, albeit crucial, strike against Manchester City – his impact in the UEFA Champions League was far more impressive, netting six goals in his first seven appearances in the competition. Consistency, however, proved elusive, and his confidence waned toward the end of the campaign.
Should a deal go through, it would likely set a new club record for a sale, eclipsing the nine‑year‑old benchmark established when Alex Oxlade‑Chamberlain left for Liverpool in 2017. The financial windfall could be significant for Arsenal, who have been urged to improve their transfer business. Some analysts argue that moving Martinelli now could free up resources to invest in higher‑profile targets, while others warn that losing a home‑grown talent without a clear replacement could weaken the squad’s depth.
Former Arsenal striker Ian Wright recently voiced his concerns on Sky Sports, emphasizing the human side of the situation. Wright remarked that the way Martinelli is being handled – left out of squads, kept in the dark about his future, and seemingly pushed out without a clear plan – is uncomfortable. He suggested that if Arsenal were to bring in new signings like Vinícius Júnior or Tzolis, Martinelli might feel demoted to a third‑choice role, whereas a more respectful approach could preserve his dignity and give him a fair chance to compete for a place. In summary, the Martinelli transfer is at a pivotal stage.
The negotiations between Arsenal and Al Hilal are progressing, with a fee and a sell‑on clause reportedly close to finalisation. At the same time, Arsenal must address the looming shortage on the left wing, decide whether to pursue Julian Álvarez or other targets, and manage the morale of a player who has been a fan favourite for several seasons. The next few days will be crucial in determining both Martinelli’s destination and Arsenal’s strategic direction as the transfer window draws to a close.