In a move that could reshape Arsenal’s attacking lineup for years to come, the Gunners are reportedly gearing up for a blockbuster summer transfer raid on Newcastle United’s star winger Anthony Gordon. With Gabriel Martinelli’s position under scrutiny, Arsenal’s hierarchy is prepared to shatter the £60million valuation barrier to secure the England international as a direct replacement, signaling a bold squad overhaul under Mikel Arteta.
Arsenal’s pursuit of a new left winger has been no secret, especially after a busy summer window in 2025 where sporting director Andrea Berta bolstered nearly every position except the left flank. Despite Gabriel Martinelli’s undeniable talent, the Brazilian has found himself slipping down the pecking order, overshadowed by the resurgent Leandro Trossard. The Belgian, who recently penned a new contract extension, has delivered seven goals and six assists this season, rewarding Arteta’s faith and effectively ruling out any mid-season reinforcements.
At 31, however, Trossard represents a short-term solution, prompting Arsenal to eye a long-term heir apparent. Sources close to the club indicate that Martinelli could be the one to make way, with the Gunners prioritizing a dynamic, Premier League-proven winger to inject fresh energy into their title-chasing ambitions.
Enter Anthony Gordon. The 24-year-old has emerged as a prime target after Arsenal’s other linked options fell through. Bournemouth’s Antoine Semenyo, once a realistic prospect, has since joined Manchester City, while Athletic Bilbao’s Nico Williams committed his future to the Basque club with a new deal. AC Milan’s Rafael Leao, another name floated by The Athletic’s David Ornstein, is deep in negotiations to extend his stay in Italy.
Ornstein, speaking on NBC Sports last summer, highlighted Arsenal’s focus on the wide positions: “They’ll be looking at the wide positions like Anthony Gordon and Nico Williams. We see more everyday with Antoine Semenyo and Rafael Leao in the press. I don’t know on the veracity on all of them, but it is a position that Arsenal are focusing on.”
The Daily Mail corroborated this interest, reporting in August 2025 that Arsenal had “expressed an interest” in Gordon. Now, with the summer 2026 window on the horizon, that interest appears to have intensified into a potential £60m-plus bid.
Gordon’s journey at Newcastle has been a rollercoaster. Acquired from Everton for £45million in January 2023, the versatile forward has seen his market value soar to €68.9million (approximately £60million) according to CIES Football Observatory. His contributions have been pivotal, but recent form has raised eyebrows. Since signing improved terms in late 2024, Gordon’s Premier League goals have stalled at just two—both penalties—though he’s shone in Europe with five Champions League strikes from six outings, albeit with over half from the spot.
Newcastle’s financial pressures, tied to profit and sustainability rules, could force their hand despite Gordon’s contract running long. The Magpies are likely to demand a premium fee for the Premier League-proven talent, potentially pushing Arsenal’s outlay well beyond the £60m mark. Liverpool’s near-miss in snapping him up ahead of the 2024/25 season adds intrigue, as Gordon was on the verge of a switch to Anfield before it collapsed.
Yet, Gordon himself has downplayed any immediate exit. In a recent interview with the Premier League, he reflected fondly on his time at St James’ Park: “It’s probably been the best three years I’ve had in football and in life too – so it’s just a good time for me and my family. Hopefully there’s many more appearances and success here too.”
This statement suggests loyalty, but transfer windows are unpredictable, and Arsenal’s allure—competing at the top of the Premier League and in Europe—could sway the England international. Arteta’s vision for a fluid, high-pressing attack aligns perfectly with Gordon’s pace, dribbling, and work rate, making him an ideal fit to challenge or supplant Martinelli.
Other names like Crystal Palace’s Eberechi Eze and Chelsea’s Noni Madueke have been mentioned, but both prefer central or right-sided roles, limiting their appeal as direct left-wing options. Arsenal’s strategy seems laser-focused on Gordon, whose ability to operate across the front line adds versatility to a squad already boasting depth.
If this deal materializes, it would represent a stunning overhaul, potentially funded by outgoing sales including Martinelli, whose market value remains high despite his dip in form. For Arsenal fans, it’s a tantalizing prospect: a £60m smash-and-grab that could propel the club toward sustained dominance.
As the January 2026 window ticks on without major moves, all eyes will be on the summer. Will Arsenal pull off this transfer bombshell, or will Gordon’s Newcastle love story continue? Only time—and negotiations—will tell.