Arsenal Transfer Roundup: Martinelli linked with Gunners exit
Credit: Stuart MacFarlane/ GettyImages
Arsenal wrapped up a long-running transfer saga this week as the club secured the services of Bruno Guimaraes for a fee of £75 million.
Fans will hope that allows the Gunners to pursue other targets, particularly a left-winger after target Vinicius Junior committed his future to Real Madrid.
The Arsenal team at VAVEL have rounded up the latest rumours from other targets linked to and away from the club.
Vinicius Junior
Arsenal's ambitious hopes of landing Vinicius Junior have fallen apart. The Brazil international signed a new contract with Real Madrid after positive talks on Wednesday between the player, his agents and the club's board.
The Spanish club improved their financial offer, reported to be of £18.5 million (€20-22 million) per year, and the momentum has swung firmly in favour of Vinicius remaining at the Bernabeu.
Arsenal had seriously explored a blockbuster move after Vinicius Junior entered the final year of his contract, which expires in the summer of 2027. This idea received approval because he is viewed as a top target to strengthen Arsenal's left wing, following the departure of Leandro Trossard and the arrival of the arrival of Christos Tzolis.
The Premier League Champions were prepared to break their wage structure and pay a major fee, which ranges from €100-150 million (£85-128 million), plus high personal terms if Vinicius Junior indicated a desire to leave.
The attraction was clear; the Madrid star delivered 22 goals for Real Madrid last season and scored four times for Brazil at the World Cup. He represented proven elite quality, and this signing could accelerate their ambitions both domestically and in the Champions League.
That opportunity, however, depended on a prolonged contract stalemate in Madrid, with Real Madrid having no intention of selling and securing renewal for Vinicius. Arsenal's chances were diminished significantly.
Words by Olufunmilayo Olusanya
Julian Alvarez
NurPhoto/ GettyImages
NurPhoto/ GettyImages
Arsenal's relentless pursuit of Vinicius Jr. ended in the Brazilian winger signing a six-year extension at Real Madrid.
This only puts more pressure on Mikel Arteta and Andrea Berta to bring in a superstar signing to take the Premier League by storm.
But as the availability of such signings dwindles as the transfer window comes to a close, Barcelona's own dwindling pursuit of Atletico Madrid striker Julian Alvarez might benefit the Gunners more than anyone else.
As per TeamTalk, Alvarez would "consider a move to London, if a deal with Barcelona is off the table."
Los Rojiblancos' relationship with the Catalans has been near rock bottom since the latter took their talisman, Antoine Griezmann, off them back in 2019. And the Champions bidding time and time again for Alvarez despite constant refusals from Atleti seems to have made it worse.
With Atletico themselves confirming their stance in regards to Julian, Arsenal seem to be the team next in line to swoop in with a bid.
Words by Ishan Athawle
Gabriel Martinelli
In terms of whether they stay or go at Arsenal, Gabriel Martinelli is one to watch in the next few weeks.
The Brazilian winger has become a fan favourite since heading to North London back in July 2019 as a teenager from Ituano. 278 appearances later, he is the third most experienced player in the squad, with only Reiss Nelson and Bukayo Saka making their debuts for the Gunners before Martinelli.
With the Gunners looking to improve their left-wing spot, Martinelli is one of those for sale, and on Sunday morning [August 9th], Galatasaray have reportedly placed a €40 million bid to sign the Brazilian, according to Turkish reporter Haluk Yurekli.
Martinelli has also had interest from Saudi Arabia in the past, and during this transfer window, but it remains unclear if he would take that opportunity so soon.
One thing is for sure: his future at Arsenal is one to watch in the final few weeks of the window.
Words by Theo Tarling
Martin Zubimendi
Image Photo Agency/ GettyImages
Credit: Image Photo Agency/ GettyImages
Arsenal midfielder Martin Zubimendi could see his game time reduced next season following the expected arrival of Bruno Guimarães.
The 27-year-old only joined Arsenal last summer and played in all 38 Premier League matches as the Gunners went on to win the league.
Zubimendi still has four years remaining on his contract in North London.
The Spaniard scored six goals in all competitions during his debut campaign with Arsenal.
Reports this week have suggested new Chelsea boss Xabi Alonso is an admirer of the Spain international.
According to Chelsea insider Simon Phillips, Alonso is very keen to lure him to West London.
The pair worked together at Real Sociedad, where Alonso coached the midfielder and spoke highly of him during their time together.
Arsenal are expected to turn down any offers, but the chance to reunite with Alonso could be attractive if Zubimendi's role becomes more limited.
Time will tell on this one, but it's certainly one to keep an eye on, especially with the Alonso link.
Words by Tierre Miller
Reiss Nelson
Tyler Miller/ GettyImages
Tyler Miller/ GettyImages
After the signing of Bruno Guimaraes, Arsenal will be looking to recoup some funds for later in the transfer window.
One player tipped for an exit from N5 is Reiss Nelson. The winger is the last remaining player from the Arsene Wenger era but has struggled for game time in recent years.
According to Sami Mokbel, Nelson is attracting interest from overseas, with Benfica and Valencia both interested in the 26-year-old.
His major moment at the Gunners came in the 2022/23 season when Mikel Arteta's side were chasing the title. Being held to a 2-2 draw by Bournemouth, Arsenal needed a goal. Nelson was substituted on and struck a volley from outside of the box to win the game.
The forward enjoyed some early success in loan spells at Hoffenheim and Feyenoord but has made just 26 appearances in two seasons at both Fulham and Brentford.
However, moving Nelson on may be more difficult than anticipated. The Hale End graduate is earning around £100k per week; a major stumbling block for interested clubs.
Words by Harry Cooper-Smith