Arsenal ready to take on Premier League rivals with a last-minute move as Gabriel Martinelli’s future is decided
Arsenal have shown interest in a talented forward who has caught the attention of several Premier League clubs, especially as Gabriel Martinelli’s future at the team becomes clearer.
After finally winning the Premier League title with Mikel Arteta last season, Arsenal have been busy in the summer transfer window to get ready to defend their crown in the 2026/27 season.
So far, Arsenal have signed five new players, including England’s Ezri Konsa and former Newcastle captain Bruno Guimaraes, spending a combined £130 million.
Up front, they signed winger Christos Tzolis from Club Brugge on a five-year deal for £34 million. Tzolis, who used to play for Norwich City, has made a strong start with two assists in wins against Manchester City and Coventry City.
Even with these signings, Arsenal are still linked with several forwards as the transfer window closes on September 1. A move for Atletico Madrid’s Julian Alvarez is believed to be Arteta’s top priority.
But it’s not just a central striker Arsenal are thinking about. According to TeamTalk, the club has officially asked about Marseille’s winger Igor Paixao as they look to strengthen the left side of their attack.
This summer, many players like Morgan Rogers, Anthony Gordon, Bradley Barcola, Ibrahim Mbaye, Nico Williams, Iliman Ndiaye, and Vinicius Junior have been linked with Arsenal, but Paixao now seems the most likely to join before the window shuts.
Paixao scored 12 goals and made 8 assists in 43 games for Marseille last season, and has drawn interest from Premier League clubs for a while. Leeds United previously tried to sign him from Feyenoord and have reportedly asked about him again this summer. Aston Villa have also shown interest, and Sunderland have already had two bids rejected despite an agreement with the player.
Even though Marseille is hesitant to sell their star winger, their financial problems might make a deal possible, especially if the Premier League champions make a strong offer. Arsenal’s enquiry could lead to a move for the 26-year-old, who might cost around £35 million.
Arsenal’s interest in another left winger, after signing Tzolis earlier, adds to the idea that Martinelli could be on his way out this summer. He’s been linked with several clubs, including a big swap deal with Galatasaray, but it looks like he might join Al-Hilal in Saudi Arabia.
Martinelli was left out of both the Community Shield match against Manchester City and the Premier League opener against Coventry. Arsenal could get around £50 million plus add-ons from his sale.
If Martinelli leaves, he would be Arsenal’s second left winger to depart this summer after Leandro Trossard moved to Besiktas.