Arsenal and Saudi Arabian side Al Hilal appear to be moving forward rapidly in negotiations over the future of Brazilian forward Gabriel Martinelli. Sources close to the clubs say the young striker is giving serious thought to a move to Riyadh, provided that the two sides can hammer out an agreement on the transfer fee. As the financial terms near a tentative consensus, reports indicate that a sell‑on clause will be included, potentially granting Al Hilal 20 percent of any future profit Arsenal might realise should Martinelli be sold again.
While the Martinelli saga unfolds, Arsenal are already looking ahead to reinforce their attacking options before the summer window shuts. Their primary target remains Julian Alvarez of Atletico Madrid, a dynamic Argentine forward who has impressed with his goal‑scoring instincts. However, Alvarez’s own ambitions appear to be leaning toward a high‑profile switch to Barcelona, meaning Arsenal’s pursuit is far from guaranteed. In addition to Alvarez, the Gunners have been linked with Juventus prospect Kenan Yildiz.
Unfortunately for Arsenal, Yildiz has suffered a left‑foot injury that could sideline him for an extended period. Sky Italia reports that Juventus’ medical team is exploring various treatment pathways, including the possibility of surgery, which would keep the forward out of action for several weeks. This development adds another layer of uncertainty to Arsenal’s transfer plans.
Martinelli’s situation at the club has been delicate. He was omitted from Arsenal’s matchday squads for both the Community Shield victory over Manchester City and the Premier League opener against Coventry City. The omission has fueled speculation that the club may be preparing to move him on, especially as the left‑wing department undergoes a subtle transformation. Last season, Arsenal relied heavily on the partnership of Leandro Trossard and Martinelli to provide width on the left flank.
If Martinelli departs for Al Hilal, both of those options will be gone, leaving a void that the manager, Mikel Arteta, will need to fill. The club appears to be grooming Greek winger Christos Tzolis as the primary left‑winger moving forward. Tzolis, who began his career in North London, has shown flashes of brilliance and could become the mainstay on that side of the pitch. Nevertheless, Arsenal have not left themselves completely exposed.
In the recent win over Coventry, Eberechi Eze was deployed on the left wing, offering a makeshift solution. Likewise, Noni Madueke has also featured in that position.
Both players provide depth and competition for established stars Bukayo Saka and Martin Ødegaard, who have struggled with injuries in recent seasons and may be required elsewhere on the field. The club’s broader attacking recruitment strategy is also being trimmed. While Alvarez remains a coveted name, his desire to join Barcelona makes his acquisition uncertain.
With Yildiz now injured, Sporting Director Andrea Berta may need to orchestrate a significant move in the final days of the transfer window to compensate for the shortfall. Martinelli’s departure would mark the end of an era for a player who has become something of a cult figure at Arsenal. 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 was a decisive winner against Manchester City, cementing his reputation among the fanbase.
His performances in Europe, however, have been more prolific. Martinelli netted six goals in his first seven Champions League appearances last campaign, showcasing a knack for delivering on the biggest stage. Yet, inconsistency and a dip in confidence towards the end of the season have raised questions about his long‑term role at the club.
Financially, a sale of Martinelli could shatter Arsenal’s existing transfer record, which has stood since Alex Oxlade‑Chamberlain’s departure to Liverpool in 2017. The club’s hierarchy has been under pressure to improve its selling strategy, and a high‑value deal for the Brazilian could be a pivotal step toward that goal.
Former Arsenal striker Ian Wright voiced his concerns to Sky Sports, emphasizing the human side of the situation. He remarked, “The way Martinelli is being treated at the moment makes me uncomfortable. I understand the club may want to move him on, but there are respectful ways to handle a transfer that consider the player’s wishes.” Wright highlighted that Martinelli has contributed significantly to the squad and deserves a dignified exit, especially given the uncertainty surrounding his playing time and future prospects.
Wright further suggested that the arrival of new signings such as Vinícius Júnior or Christos Tzolis could push Martinelli further down the pecking order, potentially leaving him feeling marginalized. He argued that a transparent and supportive approach would be in the best interests of both the player and the club.
Beyond the immediate transfer narrative, the situation underscores a broader challenge for Arsenal: balancing squad depth, financial sustainability, and player morale as they aim to compete on multiple fronts. The club must navigate the delicate task of reshaping its attacking options while ensuring that emerging talents like Eze and Maduek e continue to develop and contribute.
In summary, the Martinelli deal appears to be on the cusp of completion, with a fee and sell‑on clause nearing agreement. Arsenal’s pursuit of Alvarez and the potential fallback on other targets reflect a proactive, albeit complex, transfer strategy. As the window draws to a close, the Gunners will need to finalize their plans for the left wing, manage the departure of a beloved player with care, and secure new talent that can sustain their ambitions both domestically and in Europe.