Arsenal get ready for an important summer transfer window
Arsenal are moving into one of the biggest summers of the Mikel Arteta era, and it looks like Gabriel Martinelli, Ben White, and Gabriel Jesus are all on their way out before the new season kicks off. This isn’t about locker room drama; it’s down to the cold, calculated strategy Arteta and sporting director Andrea Berta have been working on for a while. After spending over £250 million on eight new signings in 2025, some of the names who once felt like permanent fixtures in the starting XI have simply become surplus to requirements.
1. Gabriel Martinelli
Martinelli was a steal at £6 million back in 2019, and he’s delivered 97 goal contributions in 269 games since then. That’s why his slump during the 2025/26 season has been so jarring. With only one goal and three assists in 900 minutes of Premier League action, he’s struggled to justify a starting spot for a team with title ambitions.
The arrivals of Noni Madueke and Eberechi Eze have only pushed him further into the background. Now, with Andrea Berta eyeing Athletic Bilbao’s Nico Williams as a replacement, and PSG’s Luis Campos already talking to Martinelli’s camp, an exit seems certain. Arsenal are holding out for £50 million, which is a massive profit on their original investment. Martinelli might want to stay and fight, but the club’s priorities have clearly moved on.
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2. Ben White
White moved from Brighton for £50 million in 2021, and for three seasons, he was worth every penny. But this year, the script flipped. The 28-year-old was limited to just 19 appearances, with Arteta giving him only five starts in the league as Jurrien Timber firmly claimed the right-back position.
A string of three different injuries didn’t help matters, either. David Moyes’ Everton are currently leading the hunt for his signature, though several other clubs are also in the mix. Reports suggest White is frustrated by his lack of playing time, making a summer move the best solution for everyone. To fill the gap, Arsenal are reportedly looking at Newcastle’s Tino Livramento as a younger, more reliable option.
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3. Gabriel Jesus
The situation with Jesus is a bit different; it’s a mix of underwhelming stats and his own personal goals. Arsenal are reportedly ready to listen to offers around £33 million for the striker, who has managed 31 goals in 119 games since his move from City. For a £45 million signing, those numbers haven’t quite lived up to the hype.
While there’s talk of a return to Palmeiras, Jesus likely feels he still has more to give in Europe. However, the arrival of Viktor Gyökeres and his incredible scoring form has basically killed off Jesus’ chances of being the main man again. With the club needing to raise funds for targets like Julian Álvarez, selling a 27-year-old with declining output makes sense for the books and the pitch.
Arsenal aren’t just clearing house for the sake of it; these are three calculated exits meant to trim the wage bill and make room for the next stage of Arteta’s long-term plan.
