Arsenal Consider Martinelli Sale as Al-Hilal Shows Interest

Arsenal have held talks with Al-Hilal over the sale of Gabriel Martinelli, with the Brazilian winger now available to leave the Emirates this summer.

Mikel Arteta has told the 23-year-old he does not feature in his plans for the coming season, a stark shift for a player once viewed as a cornerstone of Arsenal’s future. The message is clear: if the right offer arrives, Martinelli can go.

Galatasaray moved first earlier in the window, lodging a £45m bid that Arsenal were prepared to accept. Martinelli, though, refused to entertain a move to Istanbul, shutting down the Turkish club’s hopes of landing him despite their willingness to pay a premium.

That stance has opened the door for Saudi Arabia. Al-Hilal have informed Arsenal they are ready to go beyond Galatasaray’s £45m proposal, and discussions between the clubs have already taken place as they explore a deal.

Martinelli joined Arsenal from Ituano in 2019 and has entered the final 12 months of his contract at the Emirates Stadium, a situation that sharpens the club’s need to make a decision on his future now rather than risk losing him for significantly less down the line.

Al-Hilal’s pursuit of Martinelli forms part of a broader attacking rebuild, with the Saudi Pro League side also working on a move for Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins.