Arsenal are in advanced discussions with Saudi Arabian club Al-Hilal regarding the transfer of Gabriel Martinelli, with the deal valued at a minimum of £50 million, according to sources.
The 25-year-old Brazilian forward is available for transfer this summer, as manager Mikel Arteta has clearly communicated that Martinelli does not feature in his long-term plans.
Negotiations between the two clubs have accelerated significantly in the past 24 hours, with both parties working toward a swift resolution.
Should the clubs finalize an agreement, the decision on Martinelli’s next move will ultimately rest with the player himself, who previously rejected an opportunity to join Galatasaray earlier in the window.
Al-Hilal is believed to be offering a contract that substantially exceeds Martinelli’s current weekly salary of approximately £180,000 at Arsenal.
Martinelli, who joined Arsenal from Brazilian club Ituano in 2019, has one year remaining on his existing contract at the Emirates Stadium.
Last season, he contributed across 53 appearances in all competitions, scoring 11 goals, helping the Gunners secure the Premier League title.
However, he was notably absent from the squad for Arsenal’s opening-day victory over Coventry on Friday, a decision that drew criticism from former Arsenal striker Ian Wright.
“The way Martinelli is being treated at the moment, it really makes me feel uncomfortable,” Wright stated on Sky Sports.
“I know they might want him to leave, and many would argue that it’s time for him to move on. But there are respectful ways to handle such situations, and it should align with what the player wants as well.”
BBC Sport reports that Arteta has personally conveyed his stance to Martinelli and outlined the reasons behind the winger’s omission from recent selections.
In parallel with their pursuit of Martinelli, Al-Hilal is also exploring a potential move for Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins.
Watkins did not take part in Aston Villa’s defeat to Brighton on Sunday, and manager Unai Emery declined to commit to the forward’s future at Villa Park.
