Arsenal could now use Gabriel Martinelli in a swap deal to land Mikel Arteta’s ‘dream target’
Arsenal are still looking at solutions to improve their attack before the end of the window.
Obviously, they wanted to sign Vinicius Jr from Real Madrid and did everything they could to make that happen.
They also explored a move for Morgan Rogers before passing up on the extortionate financial package Aston Villa were demanding.
The same can be said about Bradley Barcola, who now looks poised to join Liverpool for over £100million.
One by one, these ‘marquee’ options have fallen away.
But according to Miguel Delaney of The Independent, Arsenal are now looking into whether a deal for Juventus winger Kenan Yildiz is possible before the deadline.
And crucially, one solution that has been raised involves Gabriel Martinelli potentially going the other way.
Arsenal could swap Gabriel Martinelli for Kenan Yildiz
We’re well aware by now how fond Arteta is of Yildiz. The 21-year-old is a technically gifted left-winger, with bags of pace, flair and dynamism, already proven for a big club in Juventus.
Martinelli, meanwhile, is a player Arsenal are actively looking to sell — but only for the right price.
The Brazilian could have moved to Galatasaray after the Turkish side lodged a €45million bid, but he has no interest in that particular move.
A move to Juventus though, would surely appeal to Martinelli. They are a massive club, and if Yildiz was to leave, Martinelli would immediately become their starting left-winger.
Delaney reports that Juventus would want upwards of £60million for Yildiz, and they will be hard-line on a player they consider one of their brightest talents.
There is also the concern of fan backlash if the Turin club were to sell their best player, but perhaps a player-plus-cash arrangement including a Premier League champion would soften that.
It is said that there is a long way to go on any negotiations regardless.
Arsenal are also keen to resolve any outstanding departures such as Gabriel Jesus, Fabio Vieira, and Reiss Nelson.
That would go a long way in not only creating room for a player like Yildiz, but funding the move as well.
And there is always the Julian Alvarez option hovering in the background.
Atletico’s refusal to deal with Barcelona keeps that door slightly ajar, and if it opens in the final days of the window, Arteta’s priority could change.
