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Arsenal “informally offered” Gabriel Martinelli to Juventus in a swap deal for Kenan Yildiz, according to reports.
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Insider, the HandofArsenal, has confirmed claims that the Brazilian was used in a cash-plus-player exchange proposal:
Mikel was direct with Martinelli about his squad status hence player stance change in being open to clubs outside top 5 leagues.
Arsenal had informally offered Gabi to Juve for Kenan + money who remains a future target.
Arsenal remain active for the right player. Read below ⬇️ https://t.co/F5cPcawlAJ
— HandofArsenal (@HandofArsenal) August 23, 2026
It follows the news that Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal are keen on signing Martinelli, with the Gunners willing to offload the forward for around £60m.
What is the latest on Arsenal’s pursuit of Yildiz?
It appears as if Juve rejected the swap deal. Their manager, Luciano Spalletti, spoke out about the player’s future at the weekend, and he made it clear in no uncertain terms that the Turkish international (who is valued in excess of €100m/£86m) will be staying in Turin:
“I am perfectly relaxed, because dealing with Yildiz is easy for me/ They can offer whatever they like; I want Yildiz here and will always put him on the field. He’s a perfect lad to talk to; he’s mature, and knows he doesn’t need to rush anything.”
Juve are confident that the forward won’t agitate for a move after he signed a new contract with the club earlier this year.
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Who could Arsenal target instead?
It looks like sporting director Andrea Berta and manager Mikel Arteta have pivoted back to Atletico Madrid’s Julian Alvarez.
The Gunners have been pursuing the Argentinian international for over two years, but he has never given an indication that he is keen on a switch to the Emirates.
Barcelona have been Alvarez’s preferred destination up until now. There are some reports from Spain that the former Manchester City striker is softening his stance with regards to moving back to England, but we shall see if trusted sources in the UK (such as HandofArsenal) verify those claims.