London Football rounds up the latest Arsenal news from the final week of the summer transfer window, including developments surrounding Julián Álvarez, Kenan Yıldız, and Gabriel Martinelli.

This is the second-to-last transfer window update. Arsenal have made a strong start, currently level with Brighton despite Aston Villa's poor performances. With The Gunners visiting Villa just before next week's transfer deadline, this is undoubtedly a positive sign.

However, despite Arsenal's impressive form after winning silverware and beginning their title defence, with fewer than 8 days remaining before the window closes, the club still has several matters to resolve. Whether through new signings or player departures, it is likely that not all issues will be settled before the deadline.

The team's defensive priorities have been addressed. Kons joined for a fixed transfer fee of £51 million, plus £4 million in add-ons, signing a 4-year contract with a one-year extension option. Mikel Arteta has acquired a player capable of playing both right-back and centre-back, with extensive experience, composed passing ability, and tackle statistics that make other defenders jealous.

The remaining issues with recruitment and departures are interlinked, particularly focusing on the forward line, where we'll start. Gabriel Martinelli received a £38 million offer from Galatasaray, but the player himself was unwilling to accept it.

Again, questions have emerged about how Arsenal handle player departures. Martinelli's situation bears some similarity to that of Myles Lewis-Skelly.

Both players were determined to stay at Arsenal heading into the summer. Indeed, Martinelli's social media post after the season ended had undertones of "this might be the end". However, upon further reflection, combined with the fact that the player is very happy at Arsenal and not seeking an exit, the post seemed more like an emotional expression of gratitude after helping the team compete for the title and fighting for it over 7 years.

London Football understands that Andrea Berta has evaluated the potential resale value of several squad players. For years, Arsenal have lagged far behind their rivals in player sales, and there is internal pressure to raise funds through player sales.

This also explains why Arsenal contacted Chelsea and Manchester United through intermediaries to gauge their interest in Lewis-Skelly. However, the club's internal communication issues are increasingly coming to light.

London Football understands that when exclusive news about Lewis-Skelly's potential departure emerged, the player himself was indeed shocked. It is therefore unsurprising how clearly his celebration after scoring against Como, Arsenal's reaction after winning the Community Shield, and the fans' overall reaction have been. Every time his name is announced at Emirates, he receives the loudest cheers of any player in the team. This happened again last Friday against Coventry City. Before the match, Arteta explained in detail the difficulty of having difficult conversations with players, including explaining why they might receive limited playing time, or even advising them that leaving might be a better option.

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

"We have to face reality. But I think you need to approach it with genuine honesty and transparency, because that's what you need when you're on the other side. You might not like what is said to you, but if it's true, if it's reality, if it's honest, and it helps you make a better decision, gives you more clarity about the next step in your career, then you should do it.

"This type of communication is always very difficult, but it must happen. When a player feels they're not part of the team, or feels they're not important, they will want to start a new chapter. I think this communication needs to exist, and it must be two-way.

"We all know that everything ultimately has a beginning and an end. When the end comes, I think our role and responsibility is to handle it in the best way possible, while maintaining respect, appreciation, and relationships with the player, but also understanding that ultimately we must make football decisions."

London Football also directly asked Arteta whether he was confident Lewis-Skelly would remain an Arsenal player after the transfer window closes. On this, he finally gave a clear answer: "One hundred percent."

However, following the Coventry City match, former striker Ian Wright added new controversy to the topic during an interview with Sky Sports. Wright maintains close ties with the club and has good relationships with many players in the squad.

Wright stated: "The way Gabriel Martinelli is being treated bothers me. He always gives 100% and has scored some important goals.

"Nobody is communicating with him, he doesn't know what's happening. I know this."

However, London Football understands from internal club sources that Arteta did speak with Martinelli before the match about why he wasn't in the squad. The lack of understanding between the two parties may stem more from whether the club is actively seeking a buyer.

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

The current reality is that Al-Hilal are in negotiations with Arsenal, hoping to reach a deal for the Brazilian player's transfer. London Football understands that Martinelli is now more open to a move. Arsenal are aiming to significantly exceed the club's previous player sale record of £35 million, which has stood since Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain's departure in 2017.

If Martinelli leaves, who will replace him also becomes increasingly unclear. So far, Arsenal's efforts to recruit a left winger have been unsuccessful, despite the club showing strong interest in Morgan Rogers and Vinícius Júnior.

The reality is that there are not many players in the transfer market who can improve this championship-winning team's quality, and whose valuations align with Arsenal's. In Rogers' case, Chelsea subsequently intervened and paid a £117 million transfer fee. If Arsenal want to match that figure, they would have to abandon their principles.

Kenan Yıldız is a player Arsenal admire and are willing to invest heavily in. However, so far, neither Juventus nor the player himself have shown willingness to negotiate in the way required for a deal to happen.

Therefore, Julián Álvarez appears to be Arsenal's last hope for a major new signing. Álvarez was heavily booed by fans when he returned to Madrid and played for Atlético Madrid in their 2-2 draw with Villarreal.

At the end of the match, some even suggested he leave immediately and not applaud the fans with his current teammates, perhaps fearing a stronger reaction.

Atlético Madrid do not want to lose Álvarez. However, London Football understands that if a club outside Spain, particularly outside Barcelona and Real Madrid, submits an offer significantly exceeding £100 million, Atlético would be more willing to engage in negotiations. Arsenal's biggest challenge, though, is securing the player's support for such a transfer.

Álvarez has always wanted to move to Barcelona. As time passes and days go by, the likelihood of this deal happening appears to be diminishing.

Arsenal may not be able to find a replacement if they lose Martinelli. In that case, Eberechi Eze's role on the left side of the attacking three would undoubtedly become more important this season.

Diterjemahkan oleh AI.

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