London Football rounds up the latest information regarding Arsenal FC in the final week of the summer transfer window, including developments around Julian Alvarez, Kenan Yildiz, and Gabriel Martinelli.

This is the second-to-last transfer roundup for the summer transfer window. Arsenal have made a strong start and currently sit second only to Brighton, despite Aston Villa's poor form. With the Gunners facing Villa away on the day before the transfer deadline next week, this is undoubtedly a positive sign.

Despite Arsenal's excellent performance—having already won a trophy and begun their title defense—fewer than 8 days remain until the transfer window closes, and the team still has several questions to answer. Whether regarding new signings or player departures, it is possible that not everything will be resolved before the deadline.

The team's defensive priorities have been addressed. Konsa joined on a fixed transfer fee of £51 million plus £4 million in add-ons and signed a 4-year contract with an option for a further year. Mikel Arteta has signed a player who can operate as both right-back and center-back, possessing extensive experience, excellent passing ability, and tackling statistics that other defenders would envy.

The remaining questions regarding new signings and departures are interconnected, particularly concerning the attacking line, and that is where we shall begin. Gabriel Martinelli received a £38 million offer from Galatasaray, but the player himself was unwilling to accept it.

Once again, many questions have been raised about Arsenal's handling of player transfers. Martinelli's situation bears some resemblance to that of Lewis-Skelly.

Both players were determined to remain at Arsenal this summer. Admittedly, Martinelli's social media post after the season gave the impression of a possible departure. However, upon closer examination and considering that the player is happy at Arsenal and does not wish to leave, the text appears rather to be an expression of emotional gratitude for helping the team fight for the championship and working toward it for seven years.

London Football believes that Andrea Berta assessed the potential value of several players in the squad. For many years, Arsenal lagged far behind their competitors in player sales, and there was internal pressure within the club to raise funds through player departures.

This also explains why Arsenal contacted Chelsea and Manchester United through intermediaries to gauge their interest in Lewis-Skelly. However, internal communication problems within the club are receiving increasing attention.

London Football learned that the player himself was surprised when the exclusive news about Lewis-Skelly's possible departure became public. Therefore, it is hardly surprising how evident his celebration after the goal against Como, Arsenal's reaction after winning the Community Shield, and the general fan reaction became. He receives the loudest cheers of all players each time his name is announced at the Emirates Stadium. The same was true last Friday against Coventry City. Before the match, Arteta explained the difficulty of having difficult conversations with players, including explaining why they might receive limited playing time, or even telling them that a departure could be a more suitable option.

When asked about this particular challenge, Arteta responded: "That's a very good question. It's really a very, very difficult time.

"We have to face reality. But I think you have to approach it with real honesty and transparency, because that's what you need when you're on the other side. You may not like what you're being told, but if it's true, if it's the reality, if it's honest and it helps you make better decisions and find a clearer path for the next step in your career, then you have to do it.

"This kind of communication is always very difficult, but it has to happen. If a player feels they don't belong to the team or aren't important, they will want to start a new chapter. I think this communication must exist and should go both ways.

"We all know that everything has a beginning and an end. And when the end comes, I believe it is our duty and responsibility to handle it as best we can, maintaining respect, appreciation, and the relationship with the player, but also understanding that we ultimately have to make football decisions."

London Football also asked Arteta directly whether he was confident that Lewis-Skelly would still be an Arsenal player after the transfer window closed. He finally gave a clear answer: "One hundred percent."

After the match against Coventry City, however, former striker Ian Wright sparked new controversy on this topic in an interview with Sky Sports. Wright maintains close collaboration with the club and has good relationships with many players in the squad.

Wright stated: "I'm concerned about how Gabriel Martinelli has been treated. He always gives 100% and has scored some important goals.

"No one has communicated with him, he doesn't know what's going on. I know that."

However, London Football learned from club sources that Arteta spoke with Martinelli before the match to explain why he was not in the squad. Perhaps the lack of understanding between the two sides lies more in whether the club is actively seeking a buyer.

The situation with Lewis-Skelly is similar, but more broadly, Arsenal were originally expected to strengthen on the left flank. However, Trossard's early departure may have further complicated Martinelli's situation.

The current fact is that Al-Hilal is negotiating with Arsenal in hopes of reaching an agreement on the Brazilian player's transfer. London Football learned that Martinelli is now more open to a transfer. Arsenal aim to significantly exceed their club record for player sales, which stands at £35 million and has been in place since Oxlade-Chamberlain's departure in 2017.

If Martinelli leaves, it will also become unclear who would replace him. So far, Arsenal's attempts to sign a left winger have been unsuccessful, although the club showed great interest in Morgan Rogers and Vinicius Junior.

The reality is that there are not many players on the transfer market who can improve this championship-winning team and whose valuation aligns with Arsenal's. In Rogers' case, Chelsea later stepped in and paid £117 million. For Arsenal to reach that sum, they would have to abandon their principles.

Kenan Yildiz is a player Arsenal admire and would be willing to pay a high price for. However, neither Juventus nor the player himself has shown the willingness to negotiate that would be required to complete a deal.

Julian Alvarez therefore appears to be Arsenal's last hope for a spectacular signing. Alvarez was met with loud boos from the crowd upon his return to Madrid and his appearance for Atlético Madrid in the match against Villarreal (2-2).

At the end of the match, some even suggested he should leave immediately and not acknowledge his current teammates with applause, perhaps out of fear of an even stronger reaction.

Atlético Madrid does not want to lose Alvarez. However, London Football learned that Atlético would be more willing to negotiate if a club outside Spain, particularly one other than Barcelona and Real Madrid, makes an offer significantly above £100 million. The greater challenge for Arsenal, however, is how to gain the player's support for the transfer.

Alvarez has always hoped to join Barcelona. As time runs short and the days pass, the likelihood of this deal appears to be diminishing.

Arsenal may struggle to find a replacement if Martinelli leaves. In that case, Eberechi Eze's role on the left side of the attacking three would undoubtedly become even more crucial this season.

Übersetzt von KI.

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