Al-Hilal are in advanced discussions with Arsenal regarding a potential transfer for forward Gabriel Martinelli, with the Saudi club prepared to offer a salary exceeding $23 million (€20 million) annually, according to CBS Sports sources. The Brazilian winger, who has been excluded from Arsenal’s matchday squads this season, is reportedly considering the offer as it would significantly increase his earnings compared to his current contract. Club representatives are said to be bridging a $9.3 million (€8 million) gap to finalize the deal, while Arsenal aim to include a sell-on clause to protect their investment should Martinelli depart Al-Hilal in the future.
Following a conversation with manager Mikel Arteta, Martinelli is understood to be more receptive to leaving Arsenal after his reduced role in the team. The 21-year-old, who previously scored 15 goals and provided six assists during a title-contending season, has struggled with form, netting only one Premier League goal in 2022/23 from 11 starts. Despite earlier interest from Al-Hilal, Martinelli had previously declined offers from Al-Nassr and Galatasaray, prioritizing a stay in the Premier League. A transfer to the Saudi Pro League would mark a significant career shift for the Brazilian.
Any agreement would represent a club-record sale for Arsenal, yielding substantial profit given their 2019 acquisition of Martinelli from Ituano for approximately $8 million. The funds could support pursuit of targets like Atletico Madrid’s Julian Alvarez, though he offers a different profile compared to the versatile Martinelli. Al-Hilal, meanwhile, have adjusted their approach after pausing talks with Chelsea over Pedro Neto’s $136 million valuation, and are reportedly prioritizing a potential partnership with Martinelli and Ollie Watkins, who recently missed Aston Villa’s match against Brighton.