Arsenal Transfer News Today: Alvarez statement as agreement confirmed

30 Aug 2026 20:01 BST | 5 min read

Cameron Smith | Digital Content Producer

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FootballTransfers runs through the latest Arsenal transfer news, rumours and gossip, including updates on Julian Alvarez and Gabriel Martinelli.

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Julian Alvarez statement

Julian Alvarez has returned to Atletico Madrid training as the club continue to block an exit amid significant interest from Arsenal and Barcelona.

The Argentina striker wants to secure a Camp Nou transfer before the end of Deadline Day, while FootballTransfers understands that Arsenal remain in contact over a possible deal.

Alvarez missed several training sessions last week and was left out of their squad to face Sevilla on Saturday, with the club citing illness as the reason for his absence.

When asked for an update on the forward, Atleti sporting director Mateu Alemany said: “We have been very clear and forceful on this issue. The Board has made it clear in a public statement, and the CEO has stated it clearly and forcefully. I refer you to that; why say more?”

“The plan is very clear. He had a few days where he wasn’t feeling well. He trained yesterday and we hope he’ll be back in the team quickly and available for the next LaLiga match. I spoke with him at training yesterday and everything seemed normal.”

Current ETV

Julián Alvarez

F (C)

Atlético Madrid

Julián Alvarez

F (C)

Atlético Madrid

ETV Range

€84M - €102.7M

Gabriel Martinelli agreement confirmed

Arsenal have reached a verbal agreement to sell Gabriel Martinelli to Saudi Pro League outfit Al-Hilal for a fee that could reach €65 million if add-ons are met.

The Brazil winger has been heavily linked with an Emirates Stadium exit throughout the summer transfer window, following the signing of Christos Tzolis, and a deal has now been finalised for him to depart the club.

Martinelli will be formally announced as an Al-Hilal player shortly, with the Brazilian set to be omitted from Arsenal’s matchday squad for their second fixture of the new Premier League season against Aston Villa on Monday night.

His imminent move to Saudi Arabia has been confirmed by football transfer news expert Fabrizio Romano, who posted on X: “BREAKING: Gabriel Martinelli to Al Hilal, here we go! Verbal agreement done for fee over €65m add-ons included.

“Martinelli will sign a long term deal as he just had authorization to travel in 24h. Watkins + Martinelli, plan confirmed. Deal agreed.”

Barcelona to sign Gabriel Jesus

Barcelona have agreed a shock deal with Arsenal to sign Gabriel Jesus for €10m (£8.57m) plus add-ons, according to Fabrizio Romano.

Romano understands Jesus will undergo a medical with the La Liga champions on Monday ahead of signing a two-year contract with the option to extend by a further year.

Arsenal had been eager to offload Jesus for a fee worth €20m this summer, but they have accepted a lower fee in order to ensure he leaves the club before the window closes on 1 September.

Fabio Vieira talks

Arsenal are in advanced talks to sell Fabio Vieira to Bundesliga side Hamburg in a €10million (£8.6m) deal, according to BBC Sport's Sami Mokbel.

The Gunners are keen to cash in on the 26-year-old and all parties are optimistic that a deal will go through before Tuesday’s deadline.

Vieira impressed while on loan at Hamburg last season, registering seven goals and six assists in 31 games for the German outfit.

Arsenal sign Habeeb Ogunneye

Arsenal have officially confirmed the arrival of full-back Habeeb Ogunneye on a permanent deal from Manchester United.

The 20-year-old spent the first half of last season on loan at Newport County and he will link up with Arsenal’s academy side for 2026-27.

Upon confirmation of his move, Ogunneye told the Arsenal website: “It feels great to be here, it's such a big club.

“When I heard [Arsenal] were interested in me, I said to my agents it's a no-brainer. Seeing all the young players that are coming through as well, so I just wanted to come straight away.

“I just wanted to be part of that group, and win games together. It's good playing with good players, good defenders; it's only going to better you.”

Welcome to The Arsenal, Habeeb ❤️

Right-back Habeeb Ogunneye has completed a move to north London 👇
— Arsenal Academy (@ArsenalAcademy) August 30, 2026

Axel Donczew joins

In addition, Arsenal have also completed the signing of talented Cardiff City youngster Axel Donczew.

He became the youngest debutant in Cardiff’s history last season, aged 15 years and 234 days, and he has joined Arsenal on a scholarship deal, with a pre-agreement also in place for him to sign professional terms when he turns 17 years old.