Arsenal Negotiates Gabriel Martinelli Transfer to Al-Hilal

Gabriel Martinelli’s Arsenal career is edging towards the exit door, with the club holding talks with Saudi Arabian side Al-Hilal over a permanent move for the winger.

The Brazil international has effectively been put on the market this summer. Mikel Arteta has told the 23-year-old he does not feature in his plans, clearing the way for Arsenal to listen to offers.

Galatasaray made the first serious move, tabling a £45m bid earlier in the window. Arsenal were prepared to do business at that price, but Martinelli refused to entertain a switch to Istanbul and blocked the deal.

That opened the door for Al-Hilal. The Saudi club have informed Arsenal they are ready to go above Galatasaray’s offer, signalling a strong intent to land the forward.

Martinelli, signed from Ituano in 2019 as a raw teenager, has just 12 months left on his contract at the Emirates Stadium. With no extension agreed, Arsenal face a straight choice: sell now or risk losing him for nothing next year.

Al-Hilal’s pursuit of Martinelli comes as part of a wider push to strengthen their attack, running alongside their move for Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins.