Arsenal’s 2026 outgoing transfers explained, including Gabriel Jesus to Barcelona, Martinelli to Al-Hilal, Nwaneri to Dortmund, Vieira and Nelson.
Arsenal’s late-summer squad overhaul has accelerated, with Gabriel Jesus, Gabriel Martinelli, Ethan Nwaneri, Fabio Vieira and Reiss Nelson all leaving or approaching departures through different arrangements.
The moves include a club-record sale, a low-cost Barcelona transfer, a developmental Bundesliga loan, a permanent Hamburg switch and a mutually terminated contract.
Arsenal Outgoing Transfer Summary
| Player | Destination | Reported terms | Status |
| Gabriel Martinelli | Al-Hilal | £55.7m permanent transfer; contract to 2030 | Agreement reached; medical arranged |
| Gabriel Jesus | Barcelona | €10m plus €4m add-ons and 20% sell-on clause | Medical completed; announcement expected |
| Ethan Nwaneri | Borussia Dortmund | Season-long loan; no purchase option | Agreement reached |
| Fabio Vieira | Hamburg | Approximately £7.7m permanent transfer | Deal being finalised |
| Reiss Nelson | Unattached | Contract terminated by mutual agreement | Confirmed free agent |
Gabriel Jesus Offers Barcelona Experience and Versatility
Barcelona have moved for Jesus after missing out on other centre-forward targets and reshaping their attack following the departures of Robert Lewandowski and Ferran Torres.
The reported agreement includes a fixed €10 million, approximately £8.6 million plus €4 million in potential add-ons. Arsenal are also expected to retain a 20% share of any future transfer fee. Jesus is reportedly signing a three-year contract running until June 2029.
The 29-year-old joined Arsenal from Manchester City for £45 million in July 2022. He recorded 32 goals in 123 appearances but managed only three Premier League starts last season after recovering from the serious knee injury suffered against Manchester United in January 2025.
Jesus started his senior career at Palmeiras before joining Manchester City in January 2017. His honours include four Premier League titles, an FA Cup and four League Cups with City, alongside Olympic gold in 2016 and the 2019 Copa América with Brazil.
Although not a traditional penalty-box striker, Jesus can operate centrally or from either wing. His movement, pressing and ability to combine in tight spaces appear compatible with Hansi Flick’s high-energy football.
Flick has expressed his admiration for the Brazilian’s playing style and believes he can help Barcelona. Jesus can lead the press, create room for Lamine Yamal and Raphinha, and provide experienced attacking depth.
His main challenge will be remaining fit and rediscovering consistent finishing. Barcelona must manage his workload carefully following his injury problems, while Jesus must prove that he can still perform regularly at the highest level.
For Arsenal, selling a player signed for £45 million at a significantly lower price represents a financial loss. However, his reduced role, injury history, wages and contract situation explain why the club accepted the move.
Gabriel Martinelli Set to Become Arsenal’s Record Sale
Martinelli’s proposed transfer to Al-Hilal is the most valuable of Arsenal’s departures. The Saudi club reportedly agreed a £55.7 million fee, surpassing the £40 million Arsenal received from Liverpool for Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain in 2017.
The Brazilian has been authorised to complete a medical and is expected to sign a four-year contract lasting until June 2030. Some reports place the complete package nearer €70 million, but Sky Sports reported a £55.7 million agreement.
Martinelli joined Arsenal from Ituano in July 2019 for approximately £6 million. He developed from a promising Brazilian youngster into one of the Premier League’s most dangerous wide forwards.
His Arsenal honours include the 2019/20 FA Cup, two Community Shields and the 2025/26 Premier League title. He also won Olympic gold with Brazil at the Tokyo Games.
Martinelli registered 11 goals and seven assists across 52 appearances last season, although only one goal came in the Premier League. His six Champions League goals showed that he could still influence major matches.
Al-Hilal are acquiring a quick, direct winger who attacks space, presses defenders and can play across the forward line. His speed could complement the movement of Ollie Watkins, while providing another wide option in a rebuilt attack.
Martinelli must adapt to a different league, climate and tactical environment. Competition for attacking places will remain strong, but at 25 he should be entering his prime.
Arsenal’s reported signing of Christos Tzolis reduced Martinelli’s security on the left. His falling domestic output and the opportunity to make an enormous profit encouraged the club to sell.
Ethan Nwaneri Loan Protects Arsenal’s Future
Nwaneri’s proposed move to Borussia Dortmund differs from the permanent departures. The 19-year-old is expected to join on a season-long loan without an option to buy, while Dortmund cover his salary.
The attacking midfielder entered Arsenal’s academy in 2015 and became the youngest player in Premier League history when he debuted aged 15 years and 181 days in September 2022.
Nwaneri has made 51 senior Arsenal appearances and scored ten goals. He spent the second half of last season at Marseille, scoring twice in nine Ligue 1 appearances, but struggled to secure consistent minutes.
Dortmund need attacking cover after Giannis Konstantelias suffered a serious knee injury. Nwaneri can operate as a number ten, right-sided forward or advanced midfielder, using his left foot to carry the ball and create shooting opportunities.
The Bundesliga has a strong record of developing young players, but Nwaneri must improve his physical consistency, defensive discipline and decision-making. Regular football in Germany could prepare him for a more important Arsenal role in 2027.
Fabio Vieira Gets a Permanent Hamburg Opportunity
Arsenal reportedly agreed to sell Vieira to Hamburg for around £7.7 million after his 2025/26 loan with the Bundesliga club.
Vieira joined Arsenal from Porto in 2022 in a deal worth up to approximately £34 million. He produced three goals and ten assists in 49 Arsenal appearances but never became a regular under Mikel Arteta.
The Portuguese midfielder came through Porto’s academy and won two Primeira Liga titles, the Portuguese Cup and the UEFA Youth League. He also collected the 2023 Community Shield with Arsenal.
Hamburg know Vieira’s strengths from his loan spell. His passing, left-footed delivery and shooting make him suitable for a number-ten or advanced-midfield role. However, he must produce consistently and contribute without the ball.
Arsenal are accepting another substantial loss, but a permanent departure removes uncertainty surrounding a player who had not appeared in the Premier League since 2024.
Reiss Nelson Leaves After 18 Years
Nelson is the only departure officially confirmed by Arsenal. The club and player agreed to terminate his contract, making the 26-year-old a free agent.
The winger spent 18 years at Arsenal, progressing through Hale End before making his senior debut under Arsène Wenger in 2017. He leaves with eight goals and nine assists from 90 appearances.
Nelson won the 2020 FA Cup and contributed to Community Shield victories in 2017 and 2020. Loans at Hoffenheim, Feyenoord, Fulham and Brentford provided experience, but injuries repeatedly disrupted his progress.
No new club had been confirmed at publication. His priority should be choosing a team offering regular football and a role suited to his pace and direct running. Arsenal receive no transfer fee but create squad space and reduce their wage commitments.
What the Departures Mean for Arsenal
The Martinelli, Jesus and Vieira sales could generate approximately £72 million in guaranteed fees before add-ons. Martinelli produces a major profit, while Jesus and Vieira leave for considerably less than Arsenal paid.
Arteta loses experience, depth and several tactically flexible attackers. Martinelli’s departure carries the greatest immediate risk because of his age, Champions League productivity and ability to stretch defences.
However, Arsenal are creating room for newer options while giving Nwaneri a protected development pathway. The success of the overhaul will ultimately depend on whether their remaining forwards and recruits deliver consistently.
What Ugandan Arsenal Supporters Should Expect
For Arsenal supporters in Kampala, Jinja, Gulu, Mbarara and across Uganda, the departures extend interest beyond the Premier League. Jesus will attract attention to Barcelona and La Liga, Martinelli to the Saudi Pro League and Nwaneri and Vieira to the Bundesliga.
The central question for Ugandan Gunners remains whether Arsenal have preserved sufficient attacking depth to defend their domestic position and compete in Europe.
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Verdict
Arsenal’s outgoing business combines financial necessity, squad renewal and player development. Martinelli’s record fee is excellent business, while moving Jesus, Vieira and Nelson creates space for a new attacking cycle.
Nwaneri’s loan is the most future-focused decision because Arsenal retain control of an elite academy talent. Nevertheless, selling several attackers together increases pressure on Arteta’s rebuilt squad. These departures will be judged not only by the money raised, but by whether Arsenal become a stronger and more balanced team.
