Arsenal have turned their attention to Real Madrid's Brazilian forward Endrick in their search for a new left winger. The Gunners are moving quickly as Gabriel Martinelli's transfer to Saudi Arabian side Al Hilal is now impending, ESPN reported this week.
Mikel Arteta's side currently sit second in the Premier League with three points from one game, having kicked off their campaign with a 3-0 victory. They face Aston Villa away next, a team currently 20th in the table. The need for attacking reinforcement is clear, and Endrick has emerged as a key target.
Who is Arsenal target Endrick?
Endrick is a 20-year-old Brazil international who joined Real Madrid from Palmeiras in 2024 for a fee of €72 million. He spent the last season on loan at Lyon in France, where he scored eight goals in 21 appearances. His performances there, combined with his high potential, have attracted interest from several top Premier League clubs. Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester City, and Manchester United have all been linked with the young forward. According to ESPN, Endrick's representatives are open to a potential move, though Real Madrid are not thought to be ready to let him leave permanently.
Why are Arsenal looking for a left winger?
The primary driver for Arsenal's market activity is the expected departure of Gabriel Martinelli. The Brazilian winger is on the verge of completing a transfer to Al Hilal, creating a significant gap on the left side of Arteta's attack. This has prompted the club to compile a shortlist of potential replacements. Alongside Endrick, Arsenal are reportedly monitoring Lyon's Malick Fofana, Marseille's Igor Paixão, and Manchester United's Marcus Rashford. Securing a player of Endrick's profile would be a major coup, but competition for his signature is fierce.
What is the wider transfer market context?
Arsenal's pursuit is unfolding amid a busy deadline period for their rivals. Liverpool, for instance, are actively seeking wingers. Their new manager Andoni Iraola wants three new signings, with two being wide players. Liverpool saw a £50 million offer for Crystal Palace's Ismaïla Sarr rejected but remain interested. They have also targeted Paris Saint-Germain's Bradley Barcola, a deal that could cost up to €140 million, and have been linked with an €50 million move for PSG's 18-year-old Senegalese winger Ibrahim Mbaye. Meanwhile, Chelsea are close to completing a €48 million deal for Atalanta's 18-year-old Italian left-back Honest Ahanor.
How does this affect Arsenal's squad planning?
Bringing in a new left winger is a priority for Arsenal's sporting director Edu Gaspar. The team's strong start, with three goals scored and none conceded, provides a solid platform, but depth is essential for a long season. Integrating a new attacker ahead of a busy fixture list, which you can track on our fixtures page, will be important. The club's current squad shows a need for more options in wide areas, especially with Martinelli's exit. While Real Madrid's stance on Endrick is a hurdle, Arsenal's renewed interest signals their ambition to compete at the very top of the market. The coming days will be decisive as the club works to strengthen its attacking options before the window closes.
