Arsenal chase Rashford as Martinelli heads to Al‑Hilal for €65 million

With the transfer window open until 1 September, Arsenal have accelerated their business, confirming that 26‑year‑old Gabriel Martinelli is set to join Saudi side Al‑Hilal on a four‑year contract for a fee that could rise to €65 million, while Julian Alvarez remains unavailable, and the move is expected to be finalised in the coming weeks.

Rashford emerges as left‑wing solution

Mikel Arteta’s Gunners face a clear shortage on the left flank after Martinelli’s departure and the absence of Julian Alvarez, prompting them to line up a final‑day strike for English forward Marcus Rashford. The Arsenal board believes Rashford’s pace and experience can plug the gap left by the Brazilian.

Rashford, currently a Red Devils forward, is under contract until June 2028 and commands one of Manchester United’s highest wages, yet he featured only as a substitute in the club’s opening league defeat to Hull City. Arsenal are reportedly preparing a loan deal that would keep him at the Emirates Stadium until the end of the 2026/27 season.

Alvarez saga leaves Arsenal options open

Despite The Independent reporting Arsenal’s lingering interest in Julian Alvarez, the Argentine striker has expressed a desire to join FC Barcelona, a move blocked by Atlético Madrid’s unwillingness to negotiate. The Emirates Stadium was floated as an alternative venue for the 26‑year‑old, but his reluctance to return to the Premier League makes a transfer unlikely.

Arsenal’s pursuit of Rashford therefore serves as a contingency should Alvarez decide to remain at the Colchoneros. The club’s strategy aims to secure a proven Premier League forward without committing to a permanent fee.

For Al‑Hilal, securing Martinelli adds a dynamic Brazilian talent to a squad already bolstered by high‑profile signings, while Arsenal hope Rashford can rejuvenate his career and provide immediate depth on the left. Both clubs stand to benefit from the respective moves as the summer window draws to a close.