Arsenal chase £128m striker as Martinelli exit looms

Arsenal are racing to replace a departing winger and add a world‑class striker before the September 1 deadline, with Gabriel Martinelli already out of the squad and Mikel Arteta still hunting the £128 million‑rated Julian Alvarez, a target that could fill the gap left by the August‑era departures.

Summer spending leaves a striking void

The Premier League champions and the Gunners have poured around £200 million into five new signings this summer. Those additions are Piero Hincapie, Illan Meslier, Christos Tzolis, Bruno Guimaraes and Ezri Konsa. Despite the heavy investment, Arsenal still lack the forward Arteta has repeatedly said the club requires.

Julian Alvarez remains top target despite Atletico block

Julian Alvarez is valued at £128 million and remains Arsenal’s primary striker pursuit as the transfer window closes. Julian has expressed a desire to join Barcelona all summer, but Atletico Madrid have issued a firm statement refusing to negotiate his move to FC Barcelona, citing the Catalan club’s failure to meet professional standards. Sporting director Andrea Berta must now decide whether to meet the Argentine’s price or look elsewhere.

Arsenal move for this talented midfielder should Arteta snap him

Gabriel Martinelli has reportedly lost his place in the Arsenal squad at the start of the 2026/27 campaign and is expected to leave, potentially becoming the second winger to depart after Leandro Trossard’s move to Besiktas. Arteta’s side now rely on Christos Tzolis as the only left‑wing option, leaving the Gunners’ attack thin. Gabriel’s departure has prompted interest in Lyon’s 21‑year‑old Malick Fofana as a possible replacement.

Lyon’s failure to qualify for the Champions League this week cost the club at least £15.7 million in missed revenue and forces them to generate £86 million before June 30 2027 to avoid sanctions. The French side’s financial strain could see Malick Fofana listed for sale at a fraction of his market value. La Ligue 1 club hopes the sale will help meet the required funds.

With the September deadline looming, Andrea Berta has only days to finalise any remaining business, and the Gunners’ pursuit of Alvarez or a winger like Fofana hinges on overcoming Atletico’s refusal and Lyon’s price reduction. ARSENAL’s board is monitoring the situation closely, and Images, ImagesJulian and Getty photos of the players have already circulated, underscoring the high interest surrounding the deals.