Arsenal Negotiates Martinelli Sale to Al-Hilal

Arsenal have opened negotiations with Al-Hilal over the sale of winger Gabriel Martinelli, with Mikel Arteta prepared to let the Brazilian leave this summer.

The 23-year-old has been told he is not part of Arteta’s plans for the new season, clearing the way for a departure just a year before his contract at the Emirates Stadium is due to expire.

Saudi move gathers pace

Al-Hilal have informed Arsenal they are ready to outbid Galatasaray’s £45 million offer, putting the Saudi club in a strong position as they push to land the Brazil international.

Talks have taken place between the two clubs, with Arsenal open to a deal given Martinelli’s contract situation and his reduced role under Arteta.

Martinelli joined Arsenal from Ituano in 2019 and quickly became a fan favourite with his energy and direct running, but his status has shifted as Arteta reshapes his attack.

Galatasaray interest rejected

Galatasaray had moved early in the window and tabled a £45m bid, which Arsenal were willing to accept. The move stalled on the player’s side. Martinelli was not prepared to make the switch to Istanbul, shutting down the Turkish champions’ hopes of landing him despite the sizeable offer.

That refusal has left the door open for Al-Hilal, who are now leading the race and willing to go higher on the fee to get the deal done.

Al-Hilal eye double Premier League swoop

Al-Hilal’s pursuit of Martinelli forms part of a wider push into the Premier League market. The Saudi Pro League side are also working on a move for Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins as they look to add proven top-flight quality to their squad.

If Al-Hilal can close both deals, they will have landed two of the most influential attacking players in the Premier League last season. The question now is whether Arsenal and Martinelli are ready to turn the page on a five-year chapter that once looked like the start of a long-term North London story.