Arsenal face a pivotal moment in the summer transfer window as Saudi Pro League side Al Nassr eye signing winger Gabriel Martinelli.
The Gunners are weighing their options, with a potential move for the Brazilian star possibly paving the way for a blockbuster signing.
Reports indicate Al Nassr, led by Cristiano Ronaldo, have identified Martinelli as a key target after failing to secure Liverpool’s Luis Diaz. The Saudi club, preparing for a major push in the transfer market, see the 24-year-old as a prime candidate to bolster their left flank.
According to GiveMeSport, Al Nassr have requested central funding of 85 million euros to pursue the Arsenal star, a move reportedly backed by Ronaldo, who wields significant influence over the club’s transfer strategy following his contract extension until 2027.
Arsenal, however, are reluctant to part ways with Martinelli, a dynamic and versatile forward integral to Mikel Arteta’s system. The Gunners have been linked with several high-profile wingers, including Real Madrid’s Rodrygo, Newcastle United’s Anthony Gordon, and Athletic Bilbao’s Nico Williams. Yet, transfer expert David Ornstein has indicated that any major move for a left-sided attacker hinges on Martinelli’s future.
“The Gunners have always wanted to strengthen on the left wing, but they have Gabriel Martinelli, a very fine player, there already,” Ornstein said on The Athletic FC Podcast. “If he were to leave, then you could see them bringing in a top left-sided winger. We’ve reported on the likes of Rodrygo and Anthony Gordon, I think that’s if Martinelli leaves.”
Ornstein also noted that Arsenal are exploring other options, such as Chelsea’s Noni Madueke, who could serve as a backup for Bukayo Saka on the right or potentially play on the left, even if Martinelli stays. Additionally, the Gunners are eyeing attacking midfielders like Crystal Palace’s Eberechi Eze and Aston Villa’s Morgan Rogers to add versatility to their squad.
Recent posts on X have fueled speculation about Martinelli’s future, with journalist Ben Jacobs reporting that Al Nassr believe a substantial offer could tempt Arsenal, despite the club’s ongoing talks to extend Martinelli’s contract, which runs until 2027. The Gunners are not actively looking to sell, but a significant bid could fund their pursuit of Rodrygo, described as a “dream target” by Fabrizio Romano.
Al Nassr’s interest comes as no surprise, given their ambition to compete at the highest level. A post on X, highlighted that the Saudi club are prepared to offer Martinelli a tax-free salary of around 20 million euros annually, nearly three times his current Arsenal wages. While Martinelli remains focused on Arsenal’s season, sources suggest he is open to a future move to Saudi Arabia.
For Arsenal, selling Martinelli could provide the financial flexibility to pursue their targets, with Rodrygo’s potential transfer fee estimated at 70 million euros. However, the Gunners are also prioritizing a new striker, with names like Sporting CP’s Viktor Gyokeres and RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko in the frame.
As the transfer window heats up, Arsenal’s next moves will be crucial. Will they hold firm on Martinelli, or could a lucrative offer from Al Nassr spark a chain reaction in north London? The coming weeks promise to deliver answers.
