Arsenal ready to sacrifice two stars this summer window

According to Sami Mokbel of BBC Sport, Arsenal are preparing to part ways with at least one of their established first-team players within the next 12 months — and perhaps even as soon as this summer. The two names emerging in this context come as no surprise: Gabriel Martinelli and Kai Havertz.

Gabriel Martinelli has been linked with a transfer this year, and Arsenal aren’t ruling out a move. He adds that there are multiple clubs in Germany watching Kai Havertz’s situation.

Arsenal’s patience may be running thin. Three straight seasons of finishing close — but not close enough — in the Premier League title race have created a clear mandate for action. Mikel Arteta’s system is excellent. The squad is deep. But certain high-profile players are not producing to the level required for a team that wants to dethrone Manchester City and hold off resurgent rivals like Liverpool and Chelsea.

Martinelli: The time to move on is now

Gabriel Martinelli is one of the most beloved players at Arsenal. Signed as a teenager and thrust into the spotlight, he’s had his moments of brilliance. But the reality is clear: he’s not good enough to start for a title-winning team — and hasn’t shown consistent progress in the last two seasons.

At 24 years old, Martinelli is no longer a raw talent with potential. He’s a finished product, and that product just isn’t delivering enough. His decision-making in the final third, his inefficiency in front of goal, and his inability to break down deep blocks have all been exposed as weaknesses — particularly when compared to the wingers at rival clubs.

There’s interest, notably from Saudi Arabia, where Al-Nassr are reportedly willing to offer around €85 million. That’s a staggering fee for a player who is, at best, a rotation option at a top Champions League club. Arsenal can’t ignore the financial upside — especially when Anthony Gordon or Rodrygo Goes could be signed as massive upgrades.

Rodrygo, in particular, is younger, more consistent, and more technically refined — and may even cost less in today’s inflated market.

Havertz: Useful, but not transformative

Kai Havertz has always been a strange case. A technically smooth, physically gifted player, he’s never truly settled into a single position at Arsenal. Used mainly as a No. 9 last season, he went on a strong scoring run — but it always felt like a temporary patch rather than a permanent solution.

He lacks the instincts of a true striker, doesn’t consistently impose himself in the box, and still hasn’t justified the £65 million Arsenal spent on him. According to Mokbel, Bundesliga clubs are circling, knowing he might be available next summer when he enters the final two years of his deal.

For Arsenal, this could be a win-win. Havertz is a good player, but he may never be the final piece of the puzzle. If they can recoup a solid fee, they could reinvest in a more clinical, mobile forward who can play as a traditional No. 9 — like Benjamin Šeško, Viktor Gyökeres, or even Victor Osimhen.

Arsenal must act like contenders

Arsenal’s identity has evolved under Mikel Arteta, but this summer is about evolution into champions. That means being ruthless. That means letting go of names who’ve been useful, popular, and even promising — but ultimately haven’t been decisive.

Martinelli and Havertz are both players fans have loved at different points. But if Arsenal are to finally take that final step to Premier League glory, sacrificing both may be necessary.