Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has acknowledged that the club is dealing with difficult decisions over the futures of Gabriel Martinelli and Gabriel Jesus, with both Brazilian forwards facing uncertain futures as the summer transfer window approaches its conclusion.
Arteta spoke on Thursday, August 27, 2026, ahead of Arsenal’s Premier League trip to Aston Villa, where questions about the club’s squad and transfer plans dominated his pre-match press conference. His comments came as Martinelli’s potential move to Saudi Arabian side Al-Hilal gathered momentum and Jesus found himself increasingly peripheral to Arsenal’s first-team plans.
Martinelli left Arsenal training early on Thursday, further intensifying speculation surrounding his future. Reports indicate that Arsenal and Al-Hilal have been discussing a transfer worth around £50 million, potentially rising with add-ons.
Arteta, however, stressed that any decision concerning Martinelli would require agreement from all parties.
The situation surrounding Martinelli has developed rapidly during the final stages of the transfer window.
The 25-year-old winger has been linked with Al-Hilal after his playing opportunities at Arsenal became less certain. Earlier reports said the Saudi club had reached an advanced stage in negotiations with Arsenal over a deal worth at least £50 million.
A separate report indicated that Arsenal and Al-Hilal had reached an agreement in principle worth £49 million, with a further £7 million potentially available through add-ons, although the player’s approval remained necessary.
Martinelli’s possible departure would represent a significant change for an attacker who joined Arsenal from Brazilian club Ituano in 2019 and developed into an important member of Arteta’s squad.
The winger’s potential exit is also significant because:
- Arsenal could record one of the biggest sales in the club’s history.
- Al-Hilal has emerged as the leading destination in the current negotiations.
- Martinelli’s departure would create another vacancy in Arsenal’s attacking group.
- The transfer could influence Arsenal’s plans for another forward before the window closes.
Arteta’s comments suggested that the club remains respectful of Martinelli despite the uncertainty surrounding his future.
Jesus’ situation is less directly tied to a confirmed transfer agreement but has become increasingly difficult for the former Manchester City striker.
The Brazilian was absent from Arsenal’s first-team training on Thursday as Arteta explained that the club was managing its large squad and the individual circumstances of several players.
Jesus has also endured a difficult period at Arsenal because of injuries and competition for places. With other attacking options available, his role has diminished, while his contract is entering its final year. Current reports have linked him with a possible move away from the Emirates Stadium.
Unlike Martinelli, there was no confirmation from Arteta that Jesus had agreed to leave Arsenal. Instead, the manager described the situation in broader terms involving squad numbers and individual circumstances.
That distinction is important because Arsenal’s final decision could depend on both the transfer market and the club’s ability to balance its registered squad.
The potential departures have also fueled speculation that Arsenal could make another major move for an attacking player before the transfer deadline.
One name repeatedly associated with the club is Atletico Madrid forward Julian Alvarez. Arsenal’s reported interest has persisted during the summer, although Arteta refused to discuss whether the Gunners are actively pursuing the Argentina international.
Arteta’s refusal to comment comes amid a complicated situation involving Alvarez and Atletico, with reports previously linking the striker with a move to Barcelona.
For Arsenal, however, the priority appears to be managing the players already in the squad while assessing whether another attacking addition is necessary.
The club has already strengthened elsewhere this summer, including the arrival of England defender Ezri Konsa from Aston Villa in a deal worth an initial £51 million, potentially rising to £55 million with add-ons.
While much of Arteta’s press conference focused on transfer speculation, the Arsenal manager also provided positive news regarding two of the club’s recent signings.
Konsa could make his Arsenal debut against his former club Aston Villa at Villa Park on August 31. The defender joined Arsenal after the Premier League champions agreed a deal with Villa earlier this month.
Bruno Guimaraes is also in contention after recovering from the groin problem that kept him out of Arsenal’s opening league victory over Coventry City.
Reuters reported that both Guimaraes and Konsa could be available for the Villa match, giving Arteta additional options as Arsenal continue their Premier League title defence.
The next few days could determine whether Arsenal lose one or both Brazilian forwards before the transfer window closes.
Martinelli appears to be the player closest to an exit, with negotiations involving Al-Hilal having progressed significantly. Jesus’ position remains less clear, although his reduced involvement and contract situation have made him a candidate for a late transfer.
For Arsenal, the decisions carry sporting and financial implications. Martinelli’s sale could generate substantial funds, while Jesus’ departure would further reshape Arteta’s attacking options.
The immediate focus, however, will shift to Aston Villa, with Arteta attempting to begin the next phase of Arsenal’s title defence while the club continues
