Blow for Arsenal as their Martinelli replacement has suffered a major injury

In partnership with

Just Arsenal News

·25 August 2026

Blow for Arsenal as their Martinelli replacement has suffered a major injury

With Gabriel Martinelli now close to leaving Arsenal in a deal that could earn the Gunners up to 70m euros, the club had lined up Kenan Yildiz as his replacement during the closing weeks of the transfer window.

The Turkiye international has been on Arsenal’s radar for a long time and has consistently been regarded as one of the best young attackers in Europe over the last few seasons. His performances have continued to attract interest from some of the continent’s biggest clubs.

OneFootball Videos

Yildiz remains a player of interest to Europe’s elite despite Juventus’ stance that he will not be sold before the transfer window closes. Every player has a price, and Arsenal were reportedly prepared to pay 100m euros for his signature, although that move may no longer be possible.

The situation has changed because the attacker has suffered a fractured foot, an injury that could keep him out of action for months. La Gazzetta dello Sport, as reported in the original report, says Yildiz could remain on the sidelines for some time.

Yildiz Injury Could Change Arsenal Plans

More tests are needed to determine the severity of Yildiz’s injury, but the report says he is expected to be sidelined for several months if the earliest diagnosis proves accurate.

That development could have a major impact on Arsenal’s plans for the final weeks of the transfer window. The Gunners had identified Yildiz as a potential replacement for Martinelli, but his injury could now force them to reconsider their options.

Arsenal have already been preparing for the possibility of Martinelli’s departure, with a deal potentially bringing them up to 70m euros. Losing their intended replacement to injury would therefore leave them with another problem to solve.

Kenan Yildiz (Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images)

Arsenal May Need New Target

If Martinelli completes his move away from the Emirates, Arsenal may have to identify another winger before the transfer window closes. The club cannot afford to rely solely on Christos Tzolis as their only left winger for the entire season.

Yildiz’s injury could therefore force Arsenal to return to the market for an alternative target. Their original plan appeared to centre on the Juventus attacker, but his latest setback means they may need to move quickly to find another suitable option.

With the transfer window entering its final stages, Arsenal have limited time to find a replacement. Martinelli’s potential departure remains the key factor, while Yildiz’s injury has made their search for another attacking option even more important.

_____________________________________________________________________________________________ ADMIN COMMENT

So here are some simple rules which I must insist commenters follow….

You agree not to give any personal abuse to other Arsenal fans. Everyone is allowed to hold their own opinions even if you disagree with them. It COSTS NOTHING TO BE POLITE TO OTHER ARSENAL FANS.

CALLING ALL ARSENAL FANS! Anyone who would like to contribute an Article or Video opinion piece on JustArsenal, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us through this link…