Arsenal on alert as Saudi club seek left-winger before summer deadline | OneFootball

Arsenal Stand Firm Amid Al-Nassr Interest in ‘Outstanding’ Winger

Saudi Spotlight Shifts to North London

As Saudi Pro League giants continue their spending spree, Al-Nassr have reportedly identified an Arsenal winger as their latest target, according to GiveMeSport. With their window opening earlier than most in Europe, attention has rapidly turned to high-profile additions, and Arsenal’s Gabriel Martinelli is now firmly on the radar.

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Cristiano Ronaldo, wielding his new influence at Al-Nassr following an equity stake in the club, is expected to be pivotal in steering recruitment. The club’s immediate focus is securing a left-winger, striker and holding midfielder, and after being rebuffed by Liverpool over Luis Diaz, their gaze could now be turning to the Emirates.

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Arsenal’s Reluctance Clear Despite Opportunity

Arsenal, as it stands, have not received any contact from Al-Nassr. However, GiveMeSport reports that the Saudi club have requested €85 million in central funding to support a significant bid for an attacker, potentially Martinelli.

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Although Martinelli has been described as “outstanding” by Breaking The Lines and remains a key part of Mikel Arteta’s plans, there are whispers that a sizeable offer could sway Arsenal’s stance. The Gunners are reportedly eyeing alternatives in the wide areas, including Real Madrid’s Rodrygo and Newcastle United’s Anthony Gordon.

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Yet, such interest remains speculative without formal communication. Arsenal’s reluctance to sell is underpinned by Martinelli’s age, potential and current value to the project. With the Gunners Chasing Champions League and domestic silverware, this is no time for weakening their hand.

Al-Nassr’s Strategy Rooted in Ambition

The Saudis have not hidden their desire to sign elite-level players from Europe’s top leagues. The early opening of their window, ostensibly to facilitate Al-Hilal’s signing of Abderrazak Hamdallah, could prove advantageous for Al-Nassr in moving swiftly for targets.

Ronaldo’s role in recruitment could add weight to their pursuit. But whether that’s enough to tempt Martinelli or unsettle Arsenal’s hierarchy remains highly questionable.

Financial Muscle Might Force a Decision

Should a concrete offer materialise, Arsenal’s resolve could be tested. With substantial sums available and a potential domino effect on their own summer business, the club may yet face a decision that is as strategic as it is financial.

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This report is yet another warning sign that Europe’s elite clubs are now fair game for the Saudi Pro League’s expanding influence. Selling Martinelli now, at 23, would feel like surrendering long-term gain for short-term budget flexibility. That is not what fans were promised when the club spoke about “project youth” and building towards consistent contention.

€85 million might help in landing a Rodrygo or even pursuing Anthony Gordon, but neither comes with the same guarantee of chemistry, hunger or club connection. Martinelli has fought for his place and thrived under Arteta. His pressing intensity and one-on-one prowess aren’t easily replaced by statistics or scouting reports.

Moreover, there’s a genuine concern that sanctioning such a move would send a worrying message. That even players considered integral can be sold if the right offer comes in. It would echo past frustrations, think Van Persie, Nasri, even Fabregas, when promising projects were disrupted by business decisions.

This is a time to reinforce, not regress. If Arsenal are serious about competing with Liverpool, City and Madrid, they must hold on to their best, not sell to Saudi clubs chasing relevance.