Surprise star will now become Arsenal's fastest player as Gabriel Martinelli nears Al-Hilal transfer

Gabriel Martinelli is closer than ever to leaving Arsenal.

The Brazil international has been at the Emirates Stadium for over seven years now, and he has contributed to the Gunners’ success in that period.

However, this summer is the right time for both parties to move on, with Arsenal and Martinelli both set to make good money from this transfer.

It will be interesting to see whether Andrea Berta will sign a replacement, as the Gunners will lose his speed. That is a problem, as there aren’t many rapid players in the squad.

Viktor Gyokeres will become Arsenal’s fastest player when Gabriel Martinelli leaves

Arsenal have always had fast players at the club.

Arsene Wenger loved speedsters during his time as the manager, and even though football has evolved a lot over the years, every team needs quick attackers.

Gabriel Martinelli has been Arsenal’s fastest player since he joined the club, while Noni Madueke added his name to the list when he was signed last year.

However, the former Chelsea man isn’t the quickest player at the club after Martinelli – at least not according to the data recorded.

In the Premier League during the 2025/26 season, Martinelli recorded a top speed of 35.8 kmph, making him Arsenal’s fastest player. Madueke ranked third with a top speed of 34.9 kmph.

The player in between those two, surprisingly, was Viktor Gyokeres, with a highest recorded speed of 35.5 kmph. (Fotmob)

Almost everyone thinks the Swede is not mobile and doesn’t have the speed required to compete with the best strikers in the world.

But the data says otherwise, and once Martinelli leaves, he can show that top speed and call himself the fastest player at Arsenal.

Viktor Gyokeres has a big role to play at Arsenal

Many people have written off Gyokeres after Mikel Arteta chose Kai Havertz ahead of him in the first two games of the season.

The German scored in both fixtures as well, thus cementing his place in the side for the foreseeable future.

However, Gyokeres will get opportunities from the start once the hectic schedule begins, and Arsenal will need the Swede.

The former Sporting man scored over 20 goals in all competitions last season. He may not hit that figure if he doesn’t start many games, but he will still have to contribute heavily.

We hope the decision to make him second choice will light a fire in him to win his place back.