Gabriel Martinelli, Gabriel Jesus, and Fabio Vieira were conspicuously absent from Arsenal's squad for their Premier League opener against Coventry City, signalling that all three are likely to be moved on this transfer window.
The trio, once central to Mikel Arteta's plans, were axed entirely rather than being relegated to the sidelines. Their departures are intended to fund further transfers for the Gunners.
Martinelli's Exit Looms
Martinelli was reduced to juggling the ball while the rest of the squad completed their final preparation session, with the Brazil winger evidently heading for the exit door. He has been spending considerable time alongside Vieira, the Portugal midfielder who is practically a forgotten figure awaiting his next destination.
Inter Milan have courted Martinelli but would find it difficult to match his existing wages. Despite initial reluctance to relocate to the Saudi Pro League, there is now a genuine possibility of Al-Hilal securing his signature.
Jesus and Vieira's Situations
Jesus has 12 months remaining on his deal and has aimed to complete a decade in English football, which would assist his residency application. Becoming a free agent next summer would create more opportunities for him. He has attracted interest from Napoli.
Hamburg are pressing to finalise terms for Vieira. Should all three depart, Arsenal might yet conduct further business in the transfer window.
Transfer Targets and Valuations
Arsenal are keeping tabs on Juventus winger Kenan Yildiz, while Arteta admires Julian Alvarez, despite the Atletico Madrid striker appearing unlikely at present. However, that saga could still develop because Atletico supporters have turned against Alvarez, and they may suddenly find themselves needing to cash in.
The £50m valuation for Martinelli appears insufficient, especially if Savinho moves to Tottenham in an £85m transaction. Martinelli's statistics compare favourably with the likes of Yildiz, so any transaction must genuinely prove worthwhile.
Squad Depth and Financial Prudence
Splashing £100m to appease supporters would constitute poor business, but investing it in the correct player would strengthen the squad. Martinelli possesses pace and a threat, but questions remain over whether he has genuinely progressed over the last two seasons.
One former player showed less sympathy, saying: "This is elite sport - every player knows what happens. If you want to improve, win trophies, that's life."
Myles Lewis-Skelly featured sparingly last season until his remarkable metamorphosis during the final stretch, and selling him now would be inconceivable. Ethan Nwaneri has impressed so much during pre-season that he has climbed the hierarchy, and should he depart, it'll be temporarily rather than permanently, with Arsenal desiring a quality Premier League destination if they approve a loan.
Arsenal sporting director Andrea Berta evidently has solid connections in Turkey, following Leandro Trossard's transfer to Besiktas. Arsenal now boast a vast, robust squad, and it wouldn't be a massive shock if they decide not to conduct further business. Ezri Konsa was a fantastic acquisition, a superb defender with a brilliant personality. However, if Arsenal are in a position to do business, there could still be more deals on the horizon.
