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The final week of Arsenal’s summer transfer window brings fresh developments, with attention on Julian Alvarez, Kenan Yildiz and Gabriel Martinelli among others
Gabriel Martinelli and Julian Alvarez look set to feature heavily in the closing stages of Arsenal’s summer transfer window(Image: Jacques Feeney/Offside/Offside via Getty Images)
This marks the second-to-last transfer round-up before the summer window closes. Arsenal began the campaign positively and find themselves only trailing Brighton due to Aston Villa’s disappointing display, which should stand them in good stead when they visit Villa Park the day before the transfer deadline.
Despite the club appearing strong, having already secured a trophy and with the title defence progressing, questions remain unanswered with less than eight days left in this window. Both incoming and outgoing matters may not be settled before time runs out.
One matter that was resolved concerned the club’s defensive priorities. Ezri Konsa was secured for £55million plus £4million in additional payments on a four-year contract with the option of a further 12-month extension. Mikel Arteta now possesses the right-back-centre-half hybrid he desired, offering experience, composure in possession and defensive statistics any defender would envy.
The remaining incoming and outgoing uncertainties are connected, particularly in the forward areas, where we start. Gabriel Martinelli had attracted a £38million bid from Galatasaray that the player simply was unwilling to accept.
Significant doubts persist about how the club has managed its departure dealings once again. With Martinelli, there are parallels to the situation involving Myles Lewis-Skelly.
Both players entered the summer committed to Arsenal. While Martinelli’s Instagram post at season’s end carried undertones suggesting a possible farewell, upon reflection and given the player’s stated happiness at the club and lack of desire to move, it now appears more like an emotional tribute after seven years of striving to deliver a title.
Sources indicate Andrea Berta has been assessing the potential worth of numerous squad members. There has been pressure to generate funds from sales after numerous years of falling significantly short compared to competitors in this specific area.
This clarifies why Chelsea and Manchester United were contacted through intermediaries regarding their interest in Lewis-Skelly. However, questions are mounting about internal communication.
Arsenal transfer target Julian Alvarez was jeered by his own fans after indicating his desire to leave Atletico Madrid.(Image: (Photo By Oscar J. Barroso/Europa Press via Getty Images))
Sources indicate Lewis-Skelly was genuinely taken aback when the news exclusively emerged that his name had been mentioned in connection with a possible departure. This explains the notable reaction when he found the net against Como, his celebration following the FA Community Shield victory and the response from supporters whenever his name is announced at the Emirates Stadium – which again proved to be the loudest cheer for any squad member during Friday’s match against Coventry City. Before that game, Arteta had elaborated extensively on the difficulty of holding challenging discussions with players about reduced opportunities or why a move might serve their interests better.
When questioned about this particular challenge, Arteta responded that it represents a tremendously difficult moment. He emphasized the need to confront this reality with complete honesty and transparency, noting that this is precisely what individuals require when on the receiving end. While the message may not be welcome, truthfulness and clarity can assist in making improved decisions and gaining greater certainty about future career steps. These conversations are invariably tough but necessary. He compared it to situations where players feel they do not belong or lack importance and seek a fresh start, stating that communication must flow in both directions. Everyone understands that everything has a beginning and an ending, and when that endpoint arrives, the responsibility is to handle it as professionally as possible while maintaining respect and admiration for the individual and the relationship, while acknowledging that footballing decisions must ultimately be made.
Following the Coventry match, former striker Ian Wright, who has maintained close ties with the club and many squad members, introduced a new element to the discussion during his Sky Sports appearance after the victory.
Wright expressed discomfort with how Martinelli is being treated, noting the player’s consistent 100% effort and significant goals. He stated that Martinelli has not been communicated with and remains uninformed about his situation.
Sources close to the club indicate Arteta did indeed discuss Martinelli’s omission from the matchday squad before the game. The lack of clarity perhaps relates more to whether the club were actively seeking potential buyers.
This mirrors the Lewis-Skelly situation, though broadly speaking, there was an expectation the club would look to strengthen the left flank. However, Leandro Trossard’s early departure may have subsequently complicated Martinelli’s standing.
The current situation is that Al Hilal are in negotiations with Arsenal regarding the Brazilian forward, with the player now more receptive to a move, according to sources. The club are aiming to substantially surpass their £35million sales record, which has stood since 2017 when Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain departed.
Who might replace him if he leaves remains even more uncertain. So far, the club’s efforts to acquire a left-sided forward have proved unsuccessful despite strong interest in both Morgan Rogers and Vinicius Junior.
The reality is that players capable of improving this championship-winning side have not been readily available in this window, particularly when considering the club’s valuations. In Rogers’ case, Chelsea swooped in with a £117million offer, a sum the club would have needed to abandon their principles to match.
Kenan Yildiz is a player the club holds in high regard and would be prepared to invest significantly in, though both Juventus and the player himself have thus far demonstrated insufficient willingness to progress negotiations to make a transfer happen.
Julian Alvarez therefore appears to represent the final hope for a major arrival. The player was loudly jeered upon his return to the Spanish capital while featuring for Atletico Madrid in their 2-2 draw with Villarreal.
He was even apparently advised to leave the pitch at full-time rather than join his current teammates in acknowledging supporters. Possibly to avoid further backlash.
Atletico are reluctant to lose the player, though sources indicate that should a club outside Spain, specifically outside Barcelona and Real Madrid, submit an offer well exceeding £100million, they would be more receptive to discussions. However, the greater obstacle Arsenal has encountered is securing encouragement from the player regarding a move.
Alvarez has been set on a move to Barcelona. With so little time remaining and each passing day, the likelihood of this transfer materialising appears increasingly remote.
Arsenal could enter the campaign without Martinelli and without a replacement. This would undoubtedly increase the importance of Eberechi Eze on the left side of the forward line this season.
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