Mikel Arteta missed £65m Manchester City move, Arsenal lose Martinelli

Arsenal have been told they should have out‑bid Manchester City for a £65 million left‑winger on deadline day, a player who would have ‘hit the ground running’ at the Emirates, while Gabriel Martinelli has already departed for Al‑Hilal in a £60 million deal.

Al‑Hilal secure Martinelli for £60 million

Al‑Hilal/Twitter announced the signing of Gabriel Martinelli from Arsenal earlier this week. The Brazilian forward moves for a reported £60 million, ending his spell at the Emirates after two seasons.

The Saudi club view the purchase as a major boost to their attacking options, and the deal was confirmed via the club’s official Twitter feed. The transfer also marks Martinelli as one of the most expensive departures from the Premier League this summer.

Arteta’s left‑flank dilemma persists

Former Arsenal academy star Christos Tzolis was brought in to replace Leandro Trossard, yet the Gunners have not added another forward before the window closed. The £34 million winger recorded three assists in his first two games but was substituted at half‑time against Aston Villa.

Arsenal weigh January loan for Noni Madueke as contract clause looms

With Tzolis the only natural left‑winger, Mikel Arteta may also rely on Eberechi Eze or Noni Madueke, who can operate on that side. The Gunners face Chelsea at the Emirates on Sunday, leaving the left‑hand position a key talking point.

Manchester City’s £65 million signing praised

Former Premier League striker Jay Bothroyd argued Arsenal should have pursued Iliman Ndiaye early, calling the £65 million fee an “absolute steal”. “Yes, we went for Vinicius Junior who’s arguably the best left‑winger in the world, but when you look at the value for money for Ndiaye, I feel like £65 million is an absolute steal,” he said.

City’s recruitment gave them depth across both flanks, with Jeremy Doku and Ndiaye on the left, Phil Foden and Antoine Semenyo on the right, and Rayan Cherki adding creativity in attacking midfield. Bothroyd added that the signing “was a great signing” for the Citizens.

Arsenal’s failure to secure the £65 million target and the loss of Martinelli leave the Gunners with a weakened left side as the new season approaches, and the club’s next move remains uncertain.