Arsenal Transfer Roundup: Martinelli, Jesus and Nwaneri linked with exits
(Photo: Stuart MacFarlane/ GettyImages)
The VAVEL Arsenal team bring the latest Gunners transfer rumours as exits from the club loom closer.
Mikel Arteta's side recently completed the acquisition of defender Ezri Konsa, but are now looking to balance the books.
The sales of the likes of Gabriel Martinelli and Gabriel Jesus may prove crucial if the Gunners are to secure the services of a new attacking player.
But who is the club rumoured to be signing or selling in the final days of the window?
Andria Bartishvili
(Credit: Levan Verdzeuli/ GettyImages)
(Credit: Levan Verdzeuli/ GettyImages)
Arsenal may be in the market for players who can help them immediately as they look to retain the Premier League title, but the club have also focused on youth recruitment.
The latest linked with a move to North London is Georgian winger Andria Bartishvili, who has been dubbed the next ‘Kvicha Kvaratskhelia’.
The BBC’s Sami Mokbel reported that Bartishvili would be available on a pre-contract agreement when his contract with FC Kolkheti expires.
Arsenal’s move for the prodigy is being led by Andrea Berta’s assistant Maurizio Micheli, who has been lauded as the scout who brought Kvaratskhelia to the fore.
The Gunners’ move forms part of an approach to boost the talent in the academy with the club already securing talent that they hope will either break through into Mikel Arteta’s first team or be sold to secure profit.
Words by Harry Cooper-Smith
Kenan Yildiz
(Credit: Fabio Patamia/ GettyImages)
(Credit: Fabio Patamia/ GettyImages)
Could Kenan Yildiz be the starry-eyed signing that Arsenal fans have been craving for?
Miguel Delaney (The Independent)has claimed that the Gunners continue to show an interest in the Turkish star. He has spent his whole senior career in Italy as an attacker for Juventus, earning a place in the 2024/25 Serie A Team of the Season before being named Rising Star in the division last year.
Yildiz has earned his stripes as a bright spark in a difficult period for the Bianconeri. Still only 21, a transfer to North London would allow him to test the extent of his talent at the very highest level.
The reigning Premier League champions are seemingly open to the sale of Gabriel Martinelli, for whom Galatasaray have bid £38 million, and Leandro Trossard has already moved to Besiktas.
Individual stardust is something that the Gunners still lack— as much as Christos Tzolis has made a positive impression— and the failed pursuit of Vinicius Junior has whetted appetite for a marquee signing. If it is possible at this stage of the summer, expect Arsenal to spend some substantial cash.
Words by Emmanuel Adeyemi-Abere
Gabriel Jesus
(Credit: Alex Panting/ GettyImages)
(Credit: Alex Panting/ GettyImages)
Arsenal remain open to selling Gabriel Jesus this summer as the Brazilian striker enters the final year of his contract. The 29-year-old, who joined from Manchester City in 2022, has struggled for regular minutes amid competition from Viktor Gyökeres and Kai Havertz, plus recurring injury issues. He was notably left out of the Community Shield squad.
Recent reports indicate Everton and Ipswich Town have contacted Arsenal about a potential deal. Jesus is understood to prefer remaining in the Premier League, where he is closing in on becoming the highest-scoring Brazilian in the competition’s history. Arsenal’s asking price has softened to around £15–25 million, reflecting his age, fitness record and dwindling contract.
Earlier interest from Napoli has stalled, with Jesus reportedly not currently open to a Serie A move. He also rejected approaches from Turkish clubs. While no formal bids have been confirmed, Arsenal are keen to recoup a fee and free up wages before the window closes.
With time running short, a Premier League switch could offer Jesus the regular football he seeks, while allowing Arsenal to reshape their attack. The situation remains fluid as the deadline approaches.
Words by Olufunmilayo Olusanya
Gabriel Martinelli
(Credit: Marc Atkins/ GettyImages)
(Credit: Marc Atkins/ GettyImages)
Gabriel Martinelli is experiencing the crude reality of life on the fringes of a top-end football club.
The Brazil international was excluded from the matchday squad as Arsenal eased to a 3-0 triumph against Manchester City in the Community Shield, and Christos Tzolis excelled on the afternoon. The left winger grabbed an assist for Martin Odegaard, impressing with his economy of action.
While Martinelli’s blend of work rate, speed and movement are rather unique assets in the group, the feeling is that his time at the Emirates Stadium has run its course and a different direction is needed.
James McNicholas (The Athletic) has highlighted a hard-hitting truth about the situation. The 25-year-old was not insistent on leaving London, nor, according to reports, had he been informed of the club welcoming offers for his services. However, the wheels have been in motion to find suitable destinations for the forward, and Galatasaray recently put in a bid of £38 million for the player. Al Hilal are also potential suitors.
Martinelli could still stay with the side— especially if there are no more attackers acquired to offer depth on the left flank. But the bond between the forward and the club might never be the same.
Words by Emmanuel Adeyemi-Abere
Ethan Nwaneri
(Credit: Alex Pantling/ GettyImages)
(Credit: Alex Pantling/ GettyImages)
It seemed that Ethan Nwaneri’s Arsenal career was coming to an end after he was left out of the Community Shield squad; however, it seems that there has been a change of heart in recent weeks.
Nwaneri was recently linked with a move to Galatasaray according to both BBC Sport and the Telegraph.
However, it was the BBC’s Sami Mokbel who dropped an exclusive on Tuesday, August 18th, that Arsenal “are prioritising loan offers for Ethan Nwaneri with the Premier League champions not wanting to sell their teenage attacker permanently.”
What will help the Hale End graduate’s case is the fact he was named on the bench for the champions' opening night win against Coventry City, the first time he’s been named in an Arsenal matchday squad since January.
According to Hand of Arsenal, the Gunners “are busy” with multiple offers in the Premier League, and also from abroad, for Nwaneri. He also stated that everything will be studied if a loan were to happen, considering how bad the Marseille loan turned out, even though Mikel Arteta felt that he’d grown as a person from it.
Arteta reaffirmed his belief in the teenager during his post-match interview with Sky Sports on Friday night, when talking about why Arsenal were going for players such as Bruno G and Ezri Konsa, who were both in their mid 20s.
“We have two players, or three with Max [Dowman], Ethan and Myles [Lewis Skelly] as well, that we already have the next generation there ready for them”
Nwaneri’s future is still one to watch closely as the deadline approaches, but it seems as if the likely scenario will be one where they can keep control of their very exciting talent.
Words by Theo Tarling