Arsenal close to losing Martinelli as medical booked for £55m Al-Hilal move

Gabriel Martinelli is on the verge of leaving Arsenal after his medical was booked ahead of a £55m switch to Al-Hilal, according to CBS Sports. The Brazilian winger’s exit would represent one of the more significant departures of the summer window for Mikel Arteta’s side.

The Saudi club have been active this transfer window, having already signed Crysencio Summerville for the same fee, with Ollie Watkins also set to join them in Riyadh. Arteta acknowledged Martinelli’s situation had become “personal” after the forward left training early during the week, suggesting the move is now a matter of when rather than if.

On the incomings front, Arsenal’s pursuit of Julian Alvarez has taken a more optimistic turn. Intermediaries have reportedly been making the case to the Argentine that Arteta would deploy him in his preferred position and that the club represents a genuine contender for Champions League glory, according to The Independent. Arsenal have held firm in their interest despite Alvarez’s apparent preference for Barcelona.

Atletico Madrid complicated matters further this week by releasing a strongly-worded statement about the forward, who missed weekend action through illness. Manager Diego Simeone insisted the club would do everything to make Alvarez feel valued. “From a sporting perspective, I hope to help him in the best possible way so that he continues to be the vital player he is for us,” Simeone said. “Once Julian returns to train with us, we will give him everything we’ve always given him to make him feel important, as he is to this team.”

Atleti’s reluctance to sell Alvarez to Barcelona — a domestic rival in La Liga — could ultimately work in Arsenal’s favour, potentially leaving the Gunners as the most viable destination if the Argentine does push for a move.

Elsewhere, Arsenal’s summer business continues to take shape ahead of Monday’s Premier League trip to Aston Villa. Newly signed defender Ezri Konsa could make his debut against his former club after completing a £51m move, while fellow arrival Bruno Guimaraes is potentially available after missing the season opener against Coventry City through injury. Greek winger Christos Tzolis impressed on his debut in a 3-0 win.