Gabriel Martinelli Nears £40m Move to Al Hilal Amid Arsenal Squad Discontent with Arteta
Gabriel Martinelli is on the verge of leaving Arsenal for a move to Saudi Pro League club Al Hilal. The transfer, reportedly worth close to £40 million, comes after manager Mikel Arteta instructed the Brazilian winger to seek a new club. This decision has stirred unease among the Arsenal players.
Arteta’s Tough Stance Creates Tension
The Arsenal squad has reacted with frustration to Arteta's uncompromising treatment of Martinelli. Sources indicate that teammates are unhappy about how the club has handled the situation, especially since Martinelli was excluded from recent matchday squads.
Martinelli, who is Arsenal’s longest-serving player, was notably left out of the Community Shield win against Manchester City and missed out on receiving a winner’s medal. This exclusion reportedly disappointed him deeply and displeased senior members of the team.
Signings Signal Martinelli’s Exit
Earlier in the summer, Arsenal made a £34 million signing of promising forward Christos Tzolis. Alongside an unsuccessful pursuit of Vinicius Junior from Real Madrid, these moves hinted at a reshaping of the left-wing position. Martinelli’s role diminished last season, though he contributed significantly during Arsenal’s run to the Champions League final and their first league title since 2004.
Departure Confirmed After Omission From Premier League Opener
After being left out of Arsenal’s opening Premier League game against Coventry City, Martinelli’s exit seems unavoidable. He reportedly declined interest from Turkish club Galatasaray but has accepted the idea of moving to Saudi Arabia despite some hesitation.
Negotiations over the transfer fee continue. While Arsenal initially sought around £60 million, reports suggest the deal could close near £40 million.
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