Arsenal appear poised to remain active on both the incoming and outgoing fronts as the summer transfer period enters its final phase, with the market shutting on September 1.
The north London club hold the Juventus forward Kenan Yildiz in high regard.
The Gunners continue to entertain the possibility of making moves in either direction during the closing week of the summer window, which is scheduled to shut on September 1.
The majority of Arsenal’s transfer business is essentially complete following the permanent acquisition of Piero Hincapie along with the signings of Christos Tzolis, Illan Meslier, Bruno Guimaraes, and Ezri Konsa. However, Mikel Arteta has not ruled out bolstering his attack if a suitable opportunity arises.
Several possibilities remain under consideration, although in certain instances the likelihood of completing a deal is minimal. One player who continues to generate persistent speculation is Julian Alvarez.
His position at Atletico Madrid has become uncertain after supporters jeered him before, during, and after the club’s 2-2 La Liga encounter with Villarreal at the Metropolitano.
At present, Alvarez faces two paths. He could remain with Atletico and potentially face a difficult campaign amid hostile fan sentiment, although there is a possibility he could win over the supporters through his goal-scoring output. Alternatively, he could move to Arsenal.
Alvarez’s first choice would be to join Barcelona, but that transfer appears impossible to execute at this stage owing to the strained relationship between the two clubs. Atletico also have little appetite for strengthening a rival, even if Barcelona were to table a substantial offer.
As has been the case throughout the summer, Arsenal are monitoring developments closely. However, Alvarez has found it difficult to warm to the idea of returning to the Premier League with the Gunners. Significant obstacles remain, but the sensitive nature of the situation means there is still a slim possibility of something happening.
One departure that appears increasingly likely is Gabriel Martinelli’s exit from Arsenal, with Saudi Pro League club Al-Hilal now progressing towards an agreement with the Premier League champions.
Martinelli has been left out of Arsenal’s matchday squad for their previous two fixtures and appears to have been given permission to leave, should the financial terms prove acceptable to the club. Qatari club Al-Sadd, Galatasaray, and Fenerbahce have all demonstrated varying levels of interest in the Brazilian.
Should Martinelli depart, Arsenal would require a replacement. Bradley Barcola was scouted extensively during the World Cup, and while Liverpool appear to be leading the race for his signature, the fact that he featured among Arsenal’s top targets for wide positions earlier in the summer indicates we cannot discount a late move.
Al-Hilal are exploring the possibility of signing Arsenal winger Gabriel Martinelli.
While it seems improbable at this stage, Arsenal do hold Barcola in high regard, though not at the asking price currently being quoted. Kenan Yildiz of Juventus is a player the Gunners genuinely admire, as reported here last November, and they would be willing to make a move for the Turkish international. However, Juventus have already ruled out a summer departure for him.
Every player theoretically has a price, though, and should Arsenal submit a significant offer, Juventus may find themselves with little alternative but to listen. Yildiz’s own desire and willingness to force a move could also prove pivotal, but he committed to a new lucrative contract in February and is expected to stay in Turin.
Reports from France have also linked Arsenal with interest in Lille’s Matias Fernandez-Pardo, who has attracted attention from Atletico Madrid, who have seen one bid rejected, and RB Leipzig this summer. This publication has been unable to verify whether the interest is concrete, but there is no question he is currently one of the most promising young wide players available. However, Lille face no pressure to sell after agreeing a deal worth £85.6million with Manchester City for Ayyoub Bouaddi.
Regarding departures, it remains uncertain whether Viktor Gyokeres will definitely stay at the Emirates Stadium. Arteta stated after the pre-season victory over Girona that the Swedish striker would be remaining, but should Arsenal somehow secure Alvarez’s signing, there is an argument that Gyokeres would find himself third in the pecking order.
Would he be content to remain with limited playing time? A player of his calibre and profile will be seeking regular action. Barcelona are also monitoring the striker situation and are said to hold him in high regard, so this is a situation worth watching.
Ethan Nwaneri is believed to be available for a loan move should the right club come forward for the attacking midfielder. A permanent sale cannot be completely dismissed if a substantial offer arrives.
Fabio Vieira, Gabriel Jesus, and Reiss Nelson are all permitted to leave, but so far no club has come close to meeting Arsenal’s asking price for any of the three.