Martinelli’s Arsenal future remains in doubt after Arteta honesty talk and failed Juventus swap bid

Arsenal’s pursuit of Juventus forward Kenan Yildiz has hit an immediate wall — with the Italian club rejecting an informal proposal that would have seen Gabriel Martinelli head to Turin in a player-plus-cash deal, according to Hand of Arsenal on X.

The approach came after Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta held direct talks with Martinelli about his squad status and reduced role — conversations that have left the Brazilian forward more open to moves beyond Europe’s top five leagues. Arteta’s candour about Martinelli’s diminished minutes effectively set the informal Juventus proposal in motion.

Juventus, however, were unmoved. Coach Luciano Spalletti made clear Yildiz — who signed a contract extension running to 2030 — was going nowhere. The Turkish international, 21, remains a long-term target for Arsenal even after this summer’s failed approach.

Arsenal supporters have reacted with mixed emotions — sadness at the prospect of losing Martinelli, who joined the club in 2019 and has been one of its most beloved attackers, balanced against hope that the club can secure stronger forward options before the September 1 transfer deadline.