London Football reviews the latest Arsenal developments in the final week of the summer transfer window, including updates on Julián Álvarez, Kenan Yildiz, and Gabriel Martinelli.

This is the penultimate transfer window summary of the summer. Arsenal has made an excellent start, currently second only to Brighton ahead of Aston Villa's disappointing form. With the Gunners visiting Villa the day before the market closes next week, this is undoubtedly a positive sign.

However, despite Arsenal's impressive performance—having already secured a trophy and begun their title defense—with less than 8 days remaining until the transfer window closes, the club still faces several questions to answer. Whether regarding new signings or player departures, it may not be possible to resolve everything before the deadline.

The team's defensive priorities have been addressed. Konsa joined for a fixed fee of £51 million plus £4 million in add-ons, signing a 4-year contract with an option to extend by one additional year. Mikel Arteta has acquired a player capable of playing both right-back and center-back, with extensive experience, composed passing ability, and tackle statistics that would be the envy of other defenders.

Remaining transfer business and departures are intertwined, particularly regarding the forward position, so we'll begin there. Gabriel Martinelli had 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 departures. Martinelli's situation bears similarities to that of Myles Lewis-Skelly.

Both players had a strong desire to remain at Arsenal at the start of summer. It's true that Martinelli's social media post after the season carried an air of finality. However, upon careful consideration, combined with the fact that the player is happy at Arsenal and not seeking to leave, the post appears more an emotional expression of gratitude for helping the team compete for the title and working toward it over 7 years.

London Football understands that Andrea Berta has been evaluating the potential value of several players in the squad. For years, Arsenal has fallen well behind competitors in player sales revenue, and there has been internal pressure within the club to raise funds through player sales.

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

London Football understands that when the exclusive news of Lewis-Skelly's potential departure broke, the player himself was surprised. It's therefore unsurprising that his celebration after scoring against Como, Arsenal's reaction after winning the Community Shield, and the general fan response were so emphatic. He received the loudest applause of any player each time his name was announced at the Emirates—and the same occurred last Friday against Coventry City. Before the match, Arteta explained in detail the difficulties of having tough conversations with players, including explaining why they might have limited playing time or even suggesting that moving on could be a more suitable option.

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

"We have to be realistic. But I think it has to be addressed with complete honesty and transparency, because that's what you need when you're on the other side. You might not like what you're told, but if it's true, if it's the reality, if it's honest, and it helps you make better decisions and gives you more clarity about what to do next in your career, then you have to do it."

"This kind of communication is always very difficult, but it must happen. When a player feels he doesn't belong to the team or doesn't feel important, he'll want to start a new chapter. I believe this communication must exist, and it must be two-way."

"We all know that everything eventually has a beginning and an end. And when the end comes, I think our role and responsibility is to handle it in the best possible way, maintaining respect, appreciation for the player and the relationship, but also understanding that, ultimately, we have to make football decisions."

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

However, after the Coventry City match, former striker Ian Wright added new controversy to this matter in an interview with Sky Sports. Wright maintains a close working relationship with the club and has good relations with many squad players.

Wright said: "I'm troubled by the way Gabriel Martinelli has been treated. He always gives 100% and has scored some important goals."

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

However, London Football has learned from sources within the club that Arteta did speak with Martinelli before the match about why he wasn't included in the squad. Perhaps the lack of understanding between both parties stems more from whether the club is actively seeking a buyer.

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

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

If Martinelli leaves, it's currently unclear who would replace him. So far, Arsenal's attempts to sign a left winger have been unsuccessful, despite the club showing strong interest in Morgan Rogers and Vinícius Júnior.

The reality is that there aren't many players on the market who can improve this champion team's quality and whose valuation aligns with Arsenal's. In Rogers' case, Chelsea intervened later and paid £117 million. For Arsenal to match that figure, they would have to abandon their principles.

Kenan Yildiz is a player Arsenal admires and would be willing to pay significantly for. However, to date, neither Juventus nor the player himself has shown the willingness to negotiate necessary to complete a deal.

Therefore, Julián Álvarez appears to be Arsenal's last hope for a major new signing. Álvarez was met with strong boos from the crowd when he returned to Madrid and represented Atlético Madrid in their 2-2 draw against Villarreal.

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

Atlético Madrid doesn't want to lose Álvarez. However, London Football understands that if a club outside Spain—specifically not Barcelona or Real Madrid—makes an offer significantly exceeding £100 million, Atlético would be more willing to negotiate. But Arsenal's biggest challenge is securing the player's support for the transfer.

Álvarez has always hoped to be transferred to Barcelona. As time runs out and days pass, the possibility of this deal materializing appears to be diminishing.

It's possible Arsenal won't find a replacement if Martinelli leaves. In that case, Eze's role on the left side of the trident would undoubtedly become even more important this season.

Traducido por IA.

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