Al Hilal pursue £60m Martinelli transfer as Arsenal prepare to cash in on winger

Arsenal are in active discussions with Al Hilal over a £60 million transfer for Gabriel Martinelli, with the Brazilian winger understood to be open to a move to Saudi Arabia after losing his place in Mikel Arteta’s plans.

The Athletic reports that Al Hilal are pursuing the deal and have held talks with Martinelli’s representatives. Arsenal have set their asking price at around £60 million, and while no agreement has been reached, negotiations are continuing.

Martinelli, 25, has attracted interest from multiple clubs this summer. Galatasaray held talks earlier in the window, and AS Roma have also expressed interest, but it is the Saudi Pro League side who are now leading the race. The winger has 12 months remaining on his current contract, and although Arsenal hold an option to extend it by a further year, exercising that clause is considered unlikely.

The former Ituano forward, who joined Arsenal for £6 million in 2019, has slipped down the pecking order following the arrival of Christos Tzolis and the club’s ongoing efforts to sign another forward, with Julián Álvarez among those linked. Arteta omitted Martinelli from his matchday squad for both the Community Shield and Arsenal’s home win over Coventry City.

Arsenal legend Ian Wright has voiced his discomfort with how the situation is being handled. “With respect to Martinelli and the way he’s being treated at the moment, it really makes me uncomfortable,” Wright said. “He always gives 100%, we’re not saying he’s the greatest, but he’s come up with some big moments for Arsenal in big games, and the way he’s being treated at the end here. I know they might want him out and there’s a lot of guys saying it’s time for him to move on, but there’s ways of doing that should suit him as well.”

Arsenal are also prepared to part ways with Gabriel Jesus, who is expected to leave as a free agent at the end of the season if no transfer is agreed this summer or in January.