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Arsenal won't want to lose an attacker | Arsenal FC via Getty Images
One Arsenal starter is said to be attracting attention from the Middle-East this summer.
One of Arsenal’s key players is reportedly being considered by a Saudi Arabian club this summer. The Gunners are on a mission to improve their ranks as they look to set up a Premier League title charge, and one of the areas they will look to improve is the wing position.
Mikel Arteta needs another top level winger to have genuine competition out wide, allowing him to get the best out of Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli, who were not pushed last term.
Martinelli, in particular, struggled for the first half of the campaign, although he did improve significantly down the stretch. The Brazilian is still only 24 years of age, and he will remain an important part of Arsenal’s plans, but a report from journalist Ben Jacobs has claimed that Saudi club Al-Nassr are interested in signing the wideman.
He posted on X: “Luis Diaz remains Al-Nassr's top left-wing target, even after Liverpool told Barcelona he is not for sale. Nassr prepared to offer in excess of €85m. Diaz was open to Barcelona, but still unclear if he'll consider Saudi. Nassr have several other options they will now discuss with incoming head coach Jorge Jesus. Kaoru Mitoma has not changed his mind since a January approach even though he remains a target.
“Gabriel Martinelli has been discussed as another option. Several Saudi clubs have left-wing targets this summer. Jadon Sancho and Alejandro Garnacho have both been subject of multiple approaches. Al-Ettifaq enquired on Sancho in summer 2024 but the cost of a proposed loan-with-obligation was too high and Sancho did not show a willingness back then to join. Understand Garancho would ideally like to stay in the Premier League.”
Martinelli deal not likely
Not only are Arsenal not likely to accept any approaches for Martinelli at a time when they are trying to strengthen out wide, but the player himself has already spoken about the importance of a community. He told the Arsenal website in 2024: “It’s hard to speak about myself. I’m a family guy, I like to stay at home with my friends. I always try to bring my family and friends over to spend time with me. I always try to help people.” Those comments suggest he wouldn’t be overly keen on moving to Saudi Arabia, where some players have complained of isolation.
Martinelli has also praised his relationship with Arteta, saying: “It’s really hard to see what he does on the touchline. For me when I play on the opposite side, it’s so far away so I can’t see him. If he wants to say something to me, he has to call someone to say something to me, but we just focus on the game and what is happening there.
“He’s been really important in my growth in football. I think when he got here I was 19. We’ve been through the process with the team and he has helped not just me but every single player in the squad. For me he was really important, helping me with my game. When I’m on the left, I used to control the ball with my right foot. When he came, he said ‘no, try to control the ball with your left so you can take the opponent on.’ Since then, I tried to do it and nowadays I do it every time, so it’s super easy for me.”
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