Arsenal set to battle Premier League rivals in late move as Gabriel Martinelli future decided

Arsenal have made an enquiry about an exciting forward targeted by several Premier League sides after Gabriel Martinelli's future at the club became clear.

After finally winning the Premier League title with Mikel Arteta last season, Arsenal have been busy in the summer transfer window to ensure they are ready to defend their title in 2026/27.

So far this summer, Arsenal have brought five new players into the team, with the most notable being England international Ezri Konsa and former Newcastle United captain Bruno Guimaraes who joined for a combined £130million.

At the front of the pitch, the Gunners also brought in winger Christos Tzolis from Club Brugge on a five-year deal, paying £34m for the former Norwich City forward.

Since his arrival, Tzolis has impressed across appearances in the wins over Manchester City in the community shield and Coventry City in their Premier League opener, picking up two assists.

Despite this, Arsenal continue to be linked with several forwards ahead of the transfer window closing on September 1, with a deal for Atletico Madrid's Julian Alvarez believed to be top of Arteta's priority list.

However, according to TeamTalk, it's not just a central forward that Arsenal are working on, as the London club has officially enquired about Marseille winger Igor Paixao as they explore options to strengthen the left side of their attack.

The likes of Morgan Rogers, Anthony Gordon, Bradley Barcola, Ibrahim Mbaye, Nico Williams, Iliman Ndiaye and, of course, Vinicius Junior, have been linked with Arsenal over the summer, but it now appears that Paixao is the most likely winger to join Arsenal before the window closes.

Playing for Ligue 1 side Marseille last season, the Brazilian scored 12 goals and contributed eight assists in 43 appearances and has attracted interest from several Premier League clubs in recent years.

Ahead of joining the French side, Leeds United tried to sign Paixao from previous club Feyenoord, and the Northern club have reportedly again enquired about the possibility of signing him this summer.

Aston Villa have also reportedly made enquires, while Sunderland have seen two bids rejected by Marseille having already reached an agreement on personal terms with the player.

Despite Marseille's reluctance to let their star forward go, it is believed that French club’s financial difficulties mean that a deal could still be made before the end of the window, with a bid from the Premier League champions likely to significantly rock the boat.

However, it remains to be seen if Arsenal will actually action their enquiry and make a move for the 26-year-old, who could be available for around £35m.

READ MORE: Arsenal summer signing linked with shock permanent move after playing just 45 minutes for club

Arsenal make decision on Gabriel Martinelli's future

Arsenal's interest in another left winger following the signing of Tzolis earlier in the window further adds weight to the rumours that Martinelli will leave the Emirates this summer.

The Brazilian has been linked with several clubs thoruhogut the ongoing transfer window, including a spectacular swap deal with Galatasaray, but now looks likely to join Al-Hilal in Saudi Arabia.

Matenelli has been left was left out of the matchday squads for both the Community Shield win over Manchester City and last week’s Premier League opener against Coventry.

It is believed that Arsenal could receive an initial fee of £50m plus add-ons for the move.

The 25-year-old's exit would mark the second left-sided winger to leave Arsenal this summer following the departure of Leandro Trossard to Besiktas.