Saudi Pro League side Al Nassr are reported to be exploring a potential move for Gabriel Martinelli, with growing indications that Arsenal are at least preparing for the possibility of interest in one of their most explosive attackers. While no formal offer has been made, the situation has triggered internal planning at the Emirates, where sporting director Andrea Berta is understood to be assessing long-term contingencies.
At this stage, the story sits firmly in the space between monitoring and movement — but the direction of travel is clear enough to merit attention.
Why Gabriel Martinelli attracts elite interest
Gabriel Martinelli remains one of Arsenal’s most dynamic attacking players. His pace, directness, and relentless pressing make him a profile highly valued in modern football, particularly in systems that prioritise intensity and vertical threat.
Despite some inconsistency in output this season, Martinelli’s underlying attributes remain elite:
explosive acceleration in wide areas,
ability to attack defenders one-on-one,
defensive work rate that suits high-pressing teams.
For clubs like Al Nassr, who are actively targeting players in their prime rather than late-career names, Martinelli fits the profile of a marquee signing who could raise both sporting level and global profile.
🚨𝐍𝐄𝐖: Saudi Arabian club Al Nassr are reportedly ready to make a bold move in the summer transfer market, with plans to submit a €85 million offer to sign Gabriel Martinelli from Arsenal, according to @JacobsBen. pic.twitter.com/mDWxqyGTrS
— FÚTBOL HUB (@futbol_hubX) July 3, 2025
Gabriel Martinelli
Al Nassr’s recruitment strategy
Al Nassr’s recent transfer approach has been clear: combine established global stars with high-ceiling players still in their peak years. This shift explains why younger Premier League talents are increasingly being monitored alongside household names.
Martinelli’s age, experience at the highest level, and Champions League exposure make him an attractive option should Al Nassr decide to make a decisive move. Financially, the Saudi club would be capable of meeting Arsenal’s valuation — the real question is whether Arsenal would be willing sellers.
At present, there is no indication of a formal bid, but interest alone can be enough to influence planning.
Arsenal’s position: not selling, but not naive
From Arsenal’s perspective, Martinelli is not on the market. He remains a core part of Mikel Arteta’s attacking rotation and a key tactical weapon on the left flank.
However, elite clubs rarely operate without contingency plans.
🚨 𝗕𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗞𝗜𝗡𝗚: Gabriel Martinelli’s representatives are making plans for next season with a different club.
Arsenal are aware of the situation.
— @indykaila pic.twitter.com/opQLGSzPeZ
— The Touchline | 𝐓 (@TouchlineX) January 10, 2026
Gabriel Martinelli
With Andrea Berta now overseeing recruitment strategy, Arsenal are understood to be mapping replacement profiles across multiple positions — not as an admission of intent to sell, but as standard elite-club planning. This is particularly relevant given the financial scale of Saudi interest, where unexpected bids can disrupt even settled squads.
Planning for scenarios does not mean inviting them.
Why Berta’s involvement matters
Berta’s reputation has been built on anticipation rather than reaction. At Atlético Madrid, he was known for identifying successors well before exits occurred, allowing the club to act decisively when market conditions shifted.
At Arsenal, his approach appears similar. Any exploration of alternatives should be seen as risk management, not a signal that Martinelli’s future is uncertain.
The modern transfer market rewards clubs who move early — especially when external leagues with financial power enter the equation.
How Gabriel Martinelli fits Arsenal’s broader project
Martinelli’s value to Arsenal extends beyond goals. His presence stretches defences, creates space for central runners, and gives Arsenal a different attacking rhythm compared to more possession-oriented wide players.
Losing that profile would require a specific type of replacement, not just another winger. Any contingency plan would need to replicate:
vertical threat,
defensive intensity,
ability to perform in high-tempo matches.
That level of replacement would not come cheaply — another reason Arsenal remain calm but vigilant.
Where this leaves the situation
At present, this is a developing narrative rather than an active transfer story. Al Nassr’s interest reflects Martinelli’s standing in the game, while Arsenal’s internal planning reflects professionalism rather than panic.
Unless a bid arrives that fundamentally alters the conversation, Martinelli remains central to Arsenal’s present and future.
But in modern football, awareness is everything — and Arsenal appear fully aware.
Strategic calm amid external pressure
The real story here is not an imminent transfer, but how elite clubs now operate in a market shaped by Saudi financial power. Arsenal are not scrambling; they are preparing.
Whether Al Nassr escalate their interest or not, the presence of a clear recruitment framework under Berta ensures Arsenal are positioned to respond — not react.
For now, Gabriel Martinelli remains an Arsenal player. The noise around him only underlines how valuable he has become.
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