Arsenal and Saudi Arabian side Al Hilal appear to be moving forward with negotiations over the future of Brazilian forward Gabriel Martinelli, with recent reports indicating that the two clubs are narrowing the gap on a potential agreement. Martinelli, who has been a regular fixture in Mikel Arteta’s plans since his arrival, is reportedly giving serious thought to a move to Riyadh if the terms can be settled to the satisfaction of all parties involved. Sources close to the deal say that the two clubs are now in the final stages of hammering out a transfer fee, and that a sell‑on clause is likely to be part of the package. The clause is expected to grant Al Hilal a 20 percent share of any future profit Arsenal might make should the Brazilian be sold again down the line.
This kind of clause is becoming increasingly common in modern football deals, as selling clubs look to retain a financial interest in a player’s subsequent career. While the Martinelli saga unfolds, Arsenal are also busy scouting for new attacking options ahead of the closing days of the transfer window. Their primary target remains Julian Álvarez of Atlético Madrid, a dynamic Argentine striker who has impressed with his movement, work‑rate and goal‑scoring instincts.
Álvarez is still listed as Arsenal’s top priority, but the club is also keeping an eye on other potential signings to ensure depth across the front line. In recent weeks, Juventus forward Kenan Yıldız has been linked with a move to the Emirates, but an unfortunate left‑foot injury has put his transfer prospects on hold.
Sky Italia reports that Juventus’ medical team is exploring a range of treatment options, and while surgery has not been ruled out, the club hopes to avoid a prolonged lay‑off for the young forward. Until Yıldız’s fitness is confirmed, Arsenal will likely continue to explore alternative targets.
Martinelli’s omission from Arsenal’s matchday squads for the Community Shield triumph over Manchester City and the opening Premier League victory against Coventry City has raised eyebrows. The Brazilian was not named among the 18 players available for either fixture, fueling speculation that the club may be preparing to move him on. The decision has also sparked debate among fans and pundits about the direction the Gunners are taking with their left‑wing options. Last season, Arsenal relied heavily on the partnership of Leandro Trossard and Martinelli to provide width and creativity on the left flank.
Should Martinelli depart for Al Hilal, Arsenal will be left without either of those players at the start of the new campaign. This has prompted manager Mikel Arteta to re‑evaluate his left‑wing strategy. Christos Tzolis, the Greek winger who joined the club in the summer, is now positioned as the primary left‑wing specialist in the squad. Tzolis has shown flashes of brilliance in training and early appearances, but with only a week remaining in the transfer window, there are concerns that Arsenal could find themselves thin in that area.
In the short term, Arsenal have been able to plug the gap with makeshift solutions. Eberechi Eze was deployed on the left wing in the win over Coventry, offering a temporary fix, while Noni Madueke has also featured on that side of the pitch.
Both players are versatile and capable of providing cover, but their main responsibilities lie elsewhere – they are key contributors to the competition for places with Bukayo Saka and Martin Ødegaard, who have both struggled with injury histories this season. Their flexibility means they could be called upon to fill other roles if required, leaving the left‑wing position somewhat exposed.
The club’s broader attacking recruitment strategy appears to be tightening. Interest in Álvarez remains strong, but the Argentine has expressed a desire to join Barcelona, making any Arsenal move less certain. Meanwhile, with Yıldız sidelined, Juventus sporting director Andrea Berta may need to act decisively in the final days of the window to secure a replacement, potentially opening up further opportunities for Arsenal to swoop in on a different target.
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 Artetta took charge in December 2019. Over his tenure, Martinelli became a fan favourite, celebrated for his work ethic, flair and willingness to give his all on the pitch. Although he managed just one Premier League goal last season, that strike came in a crucial 2‑1 victory over Manchester City, underscoring his knack for delivering in big moments.
His performances in Europe painted a slightly different picture. In the Champions League, Martinelli found the net six times in his first seven appearances, demonstrating a potent goal‑scoring instinct on the continent’s biggest stage.
However, his form dipped towards the end of the campaign, with confidence and consistency waning – a pattern that may have contributed to Arsenal’s decision to consider moving him on. If a deal is reached, it would likely break Arsenal’s record for the highest fee received for a player, a benchmark that has stood since Alex Oxlade‑Chamberlain’s £63 million departure to Liverpool in 2017. The club’s hierarchy has repeatedly emphasized the need to improve its transfer business, and a high‑value sale of Martinelli could provide both the financial boost and the strategic flexibility required to reinvest in the squad.
Former Arsenal striker Ian Wright recently voiced his concerns on Sky Sports, highlighting the human side of the transfer saga. Wright argued that the way Martinelli has been handled – being left out of squads, receiving limited communication, and lacking clarity about his future – is uncomfortable and arguably disrespectful to a player who has contributed significantly to the club. He suggested that if Arsenal were to bring in new signings like Vinícius Júnior or Tzolis, Martinelli might feel he has slipped further down the pecking order, which could be demoralising for a young talent who still has much to offer.
Wright’s comments underscore a broader debate within football about how clubs manage player transitions, especially when a player’s contract is nearing its end or when a lucrative offer arrives. Balancing the financial imperatives of a sale with the need to treat players fairly and maintain morale is a delicate act, and Arsenal’s handling of Martinelli’s situation will likely be scrutinised by fans and the media alike. In summary, the Martinelli transfer appears to be on the cusp of completion, with Arsenal and Al Hilal edging closer to a mutually acceptable fee and the inclusion of a sell‑on clause. At the same time, Arsenal are juggling multiple attacking targets, coping with injuries, and trying to ensure they have sufficient depth on the left wing as the transfer window draws to a close.
The outcome of this deal will not only affect Martinelli’s career trajectory but could also reshape Arsenal’s financial landscape and strategic planning for the upcoming season.