Here is a roundup of the top Arsenal news, gossip and transfer latest from icfootballnews featuring the likes of Martin Zubimendi, Julian Alvarez and Gabriel Martinelli that you may have missed…
Reports suggesting Chelsea could make a surprise move for Arsenal midfielder Martin Zubimendi appear to have suffered a significant setback, with the latest claims indicating that Mikel Arteta has no intention of allowing the Spain international to leave.
Zubimendi, 27, has emerged as a potential target for Chelsea following reports that his position in Arsenal’s midfield could come under increased pressure. The arrival of Bruno Guimarães has added further competition for places, while Zubimendi’s involvement reportedly declined towards the closing stages of Arsenal’s title-winning campaign.
However, more recent reports claim Arsenal have now taken a firm stance over the midfielder’s future. FootballTransfers has reported that the Gunners have “absolutely no intention” of selling Zubimendi, with Arteta remaining a long-standing admirer of the player he pursued for several years before bringing him to north London from Real Sociedad.
The latest position would represent a major blow to Chelsea’s hopes of securing the Spanish international, particularly after earlier reports suggested Arsenal could consider a sale if a substantial offer arrived. Some outlets had claimed that the Premier League champions could demand around €90 million for Zubimendi, while Chelsea and Real Madrid were both linked with monitoring his situation.
Despite the speculation surrounding his future, Zubimendi remains an important member of Arteta’s squad. The midfielder made 57 appearances in all competitions during his debut season and played a significant role in Arsenal’s Premier League triumph, although reports have pointed to a reduction in his prominence later in the campaign.
Arteta has also publicly stressed the importance of maintaining depth and competition within his squad as ARSENAL prepare to defend their title. Recent reporting has described Zubimendi as remaining a key part of the manager’s plans despite the increased competition following Guimarães’ arrival.
CHELSEA’s reported interest has added another layer to an already intriguing transfer story. The Blues are understood to have explored the possibility of bringing Zubimendi to Stamford Bridge, with speculation also fuelled by the midfielder’s previous connection with Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso.
But if the latest reports are accurate, Arsenal’s position is now clear: Zubimendi is not for sale.
The situation could still be revisited if circumstances change before the transfer window closes, but for now, CHELSEA appear unlikely to prise the Spanish midfielder away from the Emirates Stadium.
ARSENAL, meanwhile, will hope that increased competition for places pushes Zubimendi to rediscover his best form as Arteta’s side begin the defence of their Premier League crown.
MARTINELLI TO MOVE
Reports from The Athletic and other outlets indicate that Arsenal and Al Hilal are now in talks over a possible deal, with the Saudi club having made Gabriel Martinelli a priority target. Arsenal are understood to be seeking around £60 million, leaving a gap between their valuation and the reported opening offer.
Al Hilal have reportedly submitted a €55 million bid for Arsenal winger Gabriel Martinelli as the Saudi Pro League side step up their efforts to secure the Brazilian before the transfer window closes.
According to reports, the offer has yet to convince Arsenal to sanction a sale, with the Gunners believed to be holding out for a fee closer to £60 million. Nevertheless, Al Hilal’s proposal represents a significant development in the race for the 25-year-old, whose future in north London has become increasingly uncertain.
Martinelli has been a regular presence in Arsenal’s attack since joining the club from Ituano in 2019, but reports suggest he could now be allowed to leave as Mikel Arteta continues to reshape his squad following the club’s title-winning campaign.
The latest offer is understood to be higher than the €45 million proposal previously submitted by Galatasaray. That move ultimately failed to progress after Martinelli reportedly rejected the opportunity to join the Turkish champions, with the player’s reluctance to make that switch bringing the negotiations to an end. ESPN reported earlier this month that Galatasaray had made a €45 million bid for the winger.
Al Hilal, however, are hoping that their financial strength and determination to add another high-profile player to their squad could persuade both Arsenal and Martinelli to consider a deal. Recent reports have suggested that the player is now open to a move to Saudi Arabia, although an agreement has not yet been reached with either ARSENAL or the player’s representatives.
Further speculation over Martinelli’s future has been fuelled by his absence from Arsenal’s squad for the opening Premier League match against Coventry. He was also omitted from the squad for the Community Shield, prompting suggestions that the club could be preparing for his departure, although Arsenal have not publicly confirmed that his exclusion was directly linked to transfer negotiations.
Martinelli remains a valuable asset for Arsenal, having made 278 appearances for the club and scored 62 goals. However, with competition for attacking places increasing, the Gunners could be tempted to accept a substantial offer if it allows them to further reshape their squad before the deadline.
The key question is now whether Al Hilal will improve on their reported €55 million offer. ARSENAL’s valuation remains significantly higher, and negotiations could continue into the final days of the window.
KROENKE TO WRAP UP ALVAREZ DEAL?
Reports in Spain and England suggest Arsenal are preparing a renewed attempt to sign Atlético Madrid forward Julián Álvarez, with co-chairman Josh Kroenke reportedly set to travel to the Spanish capital for direct, ownership-level discussions over a potential deal.
Arsenal News first reported that Kroenke was due to fly to Madrid on Monday as the Gunners look to accelerate negotiations before the transfer window closes. The reported trip would represent a significant escalation in Arsenal’s pursuit, taking discussions beyond the usual sporting and executive channels as the club attempt to find a breakthrough.
Álvarez’s future has become one of the major stories of the closing stages of the window. The Argentine has been at the centre of an increasingly tense situation at Atlético, with recent reports suggesting he is unhappy and open to leaving the club. However, there remains uncertainty over his preferred destination, with Barcelona widely reported to have been his first choice.
Atlético’s reluctance to strengthen a direct La Liga rival could potentially work in Arsenal’s favour. Recent reporting has suggested that the Madrid club would rather consider a substantial offer from Arsenal than sanction a move to Barcelona, although there is no indication that a transfer agreement has yet been reached.
The situation intensified over the weekend when Álvarez was heavily booed by sections of Atlético supporters during the club’s 2-2 draw with Villarreal. Reuters reported that the hostile reaction followed the forward’s public desire to seek a move away, underlining the growing tension surrounding his future.
Earlier reports had indicated that Atlético remained determined to retain the 26-year-old, with chief executive Miguel Ángel Gil Marín insisting the club did not intend to sell despite the player’s transfer stance. Álvarez was also benched for Atlético’s opening league fixture as the dispute over his future continued.
For ARSENAL, Kroenke’s reported involvement would underline the importance the club are placing on the deal. Álvarez is regarded as a potential marquee addition capable of operating as a central striker or across the forward line, while his previous Premier League experience with Manchester City adds further appeal.
The key issue now is whether Arsenal can persuade both Atlético and the player to accept a move to north London. Reports remain conflicting over Álvarez’s willingness to join the Gunners, and no agreement has been confirmed.
With the window rapidly approaching its conclusion, Kroenke’s reported trip to Madrid could nevertheless prove decisive. ARSENAL appear determined to explore every possible avenue, but whether their ownership-level intervention can finally push an Álvarez deal over the line remains to be seen
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