Arsenal are closing in on an agreement to sell Gabriel Martinelli to Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal, with negotiations over a transfer worth at least £50 million now at an advanced stage.
Talks have gathered pace over the past day and the two clubs are understood to be nearing a deal. Martinelli would still need to approve the move, however, with the Brazilian having already rejected an approach from Galatasaray earlier this summer.
Al-Hilal are prepared to offer the 25-year-old a substantial increase on his current Arsenal salary, which has been reported at around £180,000 per week. The Saudi club are pursuing Martinelli while also working on a possible move for Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins.
Martinelli’s future at Emirates Stadium has become increasingly uncertain after Mikel Arteta decided the winger was no longer central to his plans. The Arsenal manager has communicated that position directly to the player and explained the reasons behind his recent exclusion from the matchday squad.
Martinelli was left out when Arsenal opened their Premier League campaign with a 3-0 victory over Coventry on Friday, a decision that further strengthened expectations that he could leave before the transfer window closes.
The winger joined Arsenal from Brazilian club Ituano in 2019 and has since developed into an important attacking option for the Gunners. He featured 53 times across all competitions last season and scored 11 goals as Arsenal finished the campaign as Premier League champions.
His contractual situation has also increased the pressure on Arsenal to make a decision. Martinelli has only 12 months remaining on his current deal, meaning the club risk seeing his transfer value fall sharply if they keep him without agreeing an extension.
Former Arsenal striker Ian Wright has questioned the way Martinelli’s situation has been handled, arguing that a player who has spent seven years at the club should be treated carefully even if Arsenal believe the time has come to sell.
For now, the main obstacle is Martinelli’s own decision. If Arsenal and Al-Hilal finalise the transfer terms, the forward will have to choose between remaining in European football or accepting a lucrative move to Saudi Arabia.