Agbonlahor ‘baffled’ by Arsenal decision as Keown makes transfer deadline-day prediction

Gabriel Agbonlahor says he is ‘baffled’ that Arsenal have opened the door for Gabriel Martinelli to leave the club.

Martinelli entered into the final 12 months of his contract at the Emirates this summer and Saudi Pro League outfit Al-Hilal made their interest known to both Arsenal and the Brazilian’s representatives.

Discussions have progressed at a pace over the last fortnight and it’s understood the two clubs have shaken hands on a deal worth in the region of £56million for the 25-year-old winger.

The Premier League champions also sold Leandro Trossard to Besiktas earlier in the transfer window and the departure of the two title-winning attackers has proven a divisive topic of conversation amongst the fanbase.

Christos Tzolis remains the Gunners’ only attacking addition at the start of deadline day and it appears Mikel Arteta could be left without reinforcements on the left flank.

Vinicius Junior had emerged as Arteta’s top target before signing a new long-term contract with Real Madrid last month. Arsenal have also pulled out of the race to sign Malick Fofana from Lyon in recent hours.

According to Agbonlahor, Arsenal’s performance against Aston Villa on Monday night proved that the club could regret their decision to sanctoon Martinelli’s exit.

‘Don’t you look at last night and think a player Arsenal could have done with in that second half was Martinelli?’ ex-Aston Villa forward Agbonlahor pondered on talkSPORT the morning after Arsenal’s 1-0 win.

‘I’m still baffled that Arsenal have sold Martinelli for £50-55m, 25 years of age, some special moments at that football.

‘I know [he’s in the final year of his deal] but if you offer him the right contract then he would have stayed, of course he would have.’

Martin Keown, who joined Agbonlahor in the talkSPORT studio, praised Martinelli for the service he had given across his seven-year stay in north London.

However, the former Arsenal and England defender felt a move was inevitable when the Brazil international failed to agree terms over an extension.

‘I’ve loved everything he’s done at the club but maybe it’s the right time for him to move on,’ Keown said.

‘He’s been a great servant for the club, no problem at all. But when he hadn’t signed a new deal it was always going to end this way.

‘It’s time that Arsenal start to trade. Arsenal never really get money in.’

Arteta confirmed after Arsenal’s victory at Villa Park that the club were still exploring possibilities in the transfer market – and Keown is hopeful that the club will strengthen before the window slams shut.

‘I still see them being active today, it wouldn’t surprise me if Arsenal buy yet another player, wide positions or up front,’ he added.

‘You always want to keep pushing to get to another level.

‘We watched PSG just a couple of seasons ago take Khvicha Kvaratskhelia at Christmas and that transformed their season.

‘The thing is now, Vinicius Junior… that’s the sort of list you’re looking at so whoever comes in has to be a really big player.

‘And the market has gone crazy. Liam Delap hardly scores for Chelsea and he goes for another £20… I’ve never seen a market like it!’

Keown was pleased with the resilience Arsenal showed to come through a tough test against Unai Emery’s Villa to emerge with maximum points.

The three-time Premier League winner felt the match also provided ‘proof’ that the Gunners needed to reinforce their squad for the gruelling campaign ahead.

‘It was proof that the squad needed to be improved,’ Keown went on.

‘That Arsenal midfield, you’ve got two World Cup winners starting on the bench that end up coming on the pitch.

‘You’re able to rest Declan Rice, you’re able to bring Eberechi Eze on as well with Christos Tzolis not having the same performance as he did in the first game.

‘The manager said it: it was a night for the squad and you need that. Five of Arsenal’s next six games are away from home so you’re going to need all of those players.

‘They’re all going to get minutes and that’s a huge squad.’

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