Arsenal planning late signing before transfer deadline
August 31, 2026 01:19
Arsenal are said to be seeking a late addition to their squad before the summer window shuts. The club has agreed to sell Gabriel Martinelli to Al-Hilal for £60 million — reported as a club-record outgoing transfer — and that departure is expected to free up a spot for a forward arrival.
Reports name Atlético Madrid’s Julián Álvarez as Arsenal’s primary target, but those reports also state the Argentina international does not want a return to England. Lyon’s Malick Fofana has reportedly been offered to Arsenal in the last 24 hours, although the club has not formally pursued him, and Everton’s Iliman Ndiaye has been linked with Arsenal while Tottenham Hotspur are described as favourites to sign him. The source says further activity may still occur before the deadline.
KEY CONTEXT
- The Martinelli sale is described as a club-record deal worth £60m and is the catalyst for Arsenal’s hunt for a replacement.
- Álvarez is portrayed as the top choice in coverage, but the same coverage reports he is not keen on coming back to the Premier League.
- The article notes recent approaches and offers (Fofana offered; Arsenal yet to act) and competing interest for targets such as Ndiaye from Spurs.
- The piece refers to the transfer window closing on September 1, 2026, and also mentions a deadline “on Tuesday night” in relation to imminent activity.
WHY IT MATTERS
- Selling Martinelli for a substantial fee creates both the financial headroom and positional need that could prompt a late-market signing.
- If Arsenal’s prime target is unwilling to move, the club must shift attention to alternatives quickly, which explains reported late offers and been linked targets.
- Competition from other clubs, notably Tottenham over Ndiaye, could influence Arsenal’s options and urgency ahead of the deadline.
WHAT TO WATCH NEXT
- Whether Arsenal will make a formal approach for Malick Fofana after he was reportedly offered.
- Whether any alternative forwards emerge as concrete targets now that Álvarez is said to be unwilling to return to England.
- If Iliman Ndiaye completes a move to Tottenham, removing him from Arsenal’s potential list.
- Any confirmed incoming before the transfer window closes.
KEY FACTS
- Gabriel Martinelli has been sold to Al-Hilal for £60 million, described as a club-record sale.
- Julián Álvarez is reported as Arsenal’s primary target, but is said to not want a return to England.
- Malick Fofana was offered to Arsenal within the last 24 hours; Arsenal have not yet made an approach.
- Iliman Ndiaye has been linked with Arsenal, with Tottenham reported as favourites to sign him.
- The article states the transfer window closes on September 1, 2026, and refers to activity expected “before the transfer deadline on Tuesday night.”