The final day of the Premier League transfer window ended without the major Arsenal signing many supporters had been waiting for. The Gunners made a late attempt to bring in Malick Fofana, but the move failed to materialise.
Gabriel Jesus also completed his move to Barcelona, while Julian Alvarez did not make the surprise switch to the Emirates that some had anticipated.
Yet the biggest question surrounding Arsenal is perhaps not about who failed to arrive, but who could be leaving.
Gabriel Martinelli is expected to complete a move to Al Hilal, although the transfer had not been officially confirmed at the time of the latest reports. The Brazilian winger was seen arriving in Riyadh on Tuesday evening, suggesting that the move remains on course rather than collapsing at the final hurdle.
For Arsenal, that leaves an important question: why did the club allow Martinelli to leave without bringing in another natural left winger?
Gabriel Martinelli Transfer to Al Hilal Still Awaiting Confirmation
Martinelli’s expected move to Al Hilal has attracted plenty of attention because Arsenal’s transfer activity on deadline day did not provide a replacement.
There was speculation that the deal could collapse in similar fashion to Folarin Balogun’s failed late transfer in the past. Arsenal could also have reconsidered the move after recognising that having only one natural left winger might create a problem across four competitions.
However, the available information points towards the transfer eventually being completed.
One important factor is the Saudi Pro League’s transfer calendar. Unlike the Premier League, clubs in Saudi Arabia have a later deadline for completing transfers.
According to reports cited by Sports Illustrated, Saudi Pro League clubs can continue buying and selling players until October 12.
That means the Martinelli transfer does not necessarily have to be completed alongside the Premier League deadline.
In theory, Martinelli could still play several matches for Arsenal before potentially completing his move to Al Hilal. However, his arrival in Riyadh suggests that the transfer could be finalised sooner.
Why Arsenal Failed to Sign Malick Fofana
Arsenal’s failure to bring in Martinelli’s replacement became even more notable after their late interest in Malick Fofana did not result in a deal.
The Belgian winger had been viewed as a possible solution after Arsenal previously missed out on several attacking targets, including Morgan Rogers, Vinicius Junior and Julian Alvarez.
However, the discussions surrounding Fofana never progressed far enough.
One reported issue was the financial package involved. Lyon were said to be seeking around $40.5 million for the 21-year-old, a figure reportedly considered difficult for Arsenal to accommodate amid concerns about UEFA financial regulations.
Arsenal were also reported to have referred to “technical reasons” when explaining why the deal did not progress.
Another factor mentioned in reports was concern over Fofana’s fitness record.
The young winger missed around five months of last season after undergoing ankle surgery. Although he returned for two substitute appearances in March, totalling 13 minutes, he subsequently spent another six weeks on the sidelines.
With those concerns in mind, Arsenal ultimately decided not to complete the deal.
Arsenal’s Left-Wing Options After Martinelli
Martinelli’s expected departure leaves Mikel Arteta with fewer natural options on the left side of the attack.
Last season, Arsenal had three players capable of operating there: Leandro Trossard, Martinelli and Eberechi Eze.
With Trossard no longer part of the picture and Martinelli heading towards Al Hilal, the options have changed significantly.
Christos Tzolis is regarded as an alternative with a similar profile to Trossard. Eze can also operate from the left, while Noni Madueke provides another option despite being more naturally associated with other attacking roles.
Arsenal’s attacking options can broadly be viewed as follows:
- Left wing: Christos Tzolis and Eberechi Eze
- Centre-forward: Kai Havertz and Viktor Gyokeres
- Right wing: Bukayo Saka, Noni Madueke and Max Dowman
On paper, Arsenal still have attacking depth. The bigger issue is whether that depth offers the same characteristics Martinelli brought to the team.
Martinelli’s Biggest Arsenal Attribute Was His Pace
There were clear weaknesses to Martinelli’s game, particularly when opponents defended in compact structures.
His direct dribbling style often relied on acceleration and attacking space quickly. Against well-organised Premier League defences, that approach did not always produce the desired outcome.
Martinelli scored just one Premier League goal from 30 appearances last season.
However, those numbers do not tell the entire story.
His qualities became more noticeable when Arsenal faced games that opened up, particularly in the Champions League. With more space available to attack, Martinelli’s pace could become a significant weapon.
He scored six goals in European competition last season, matching the tally recorded by Barcelona youngster Lamine Yamal.
That contrast is important for Arsenal.
Martinelli may not have been the most consistent attacking player in Arteta’s squad, but he possessed a quality that is difficult to replace: genuine speed.
Could Arsenal Regret Letting Martinelli Leave?
Whether Arsenal will regret the Martinelli transfer will depend heavily on how the remaining attacking options perform.
The Gunners have quality across the frontline, with Saka, Eze, Gyokeres, Havertz and other attacking players providing plenty of options.
However, squad depth is not simply about having enough names. Different players offer different solutions.
Martinelli could stretch defensive lines with his pace, particularly when Arsenal had the opportunity to attack quickly. Losing that profile could become noticeable in matches where the team needs something different from its usual possession-based approach.
At the same time, Arsenal clearly had reasons for not pursuing Fofana or another replacement at any cost.
The club may have preferred to avoid an expensive commitment rather than sign a player who did not completely convince the recruitment team.
A Risky but Calculated Decision for Arsenal
Arsenal’s decision to allow Gabriel Martinelli to move towards Al Hilal without immediately replacing him leaves an interesting balance between risk and squad management.
The club still has several attacking options, but the specific qualities Martinelli offered are not easily replicated.
The situation also demonstrates why transfer deadlines are not always identical across competitions. While Arsenal’s Premier League window has closed, Al Hilal and other Saudi Pro League clubs still have additional time to complete their business.
For now, Martinelli’s Arsenal chapter appears to be approaching its conclusion, with the official announcement still awaited.
The bigger story, however, could come later in the season.
If Arsenal’s remaining forwards stay fit and productive, the decision may look perfectly reasonable. But if Arteta finds himself searching for pace and penetration from the left flank, supporters may look back at Martinelli’s departure and wonder whether Arsenal should have acted differently.
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