The short version
- Arsenal and Al-Hilal are in advanced talks regarding a transfer fee of at least £50 million for Gabriel Martinelli.
- Manager Mikel Arteta has excluded the player from recent squads, signaling he is not part of the team's future strategy.
- The deal depends on Martinelli accepting a move to the Saudi Pro League, where wages are reported to be significantly higher than his current contract.
Negotiations between Arsenal and Saudi Arabian club Al-Hilal have reached an advanced stage concerning the transfer of Gabriel Martinelli. Reports indicate that discussions intensified significantly within the last twenty-four hours, bringing a final agreement close to completion. The proposed deal involves a transfer fee of at least £50 million, marking a substantial financial transaction for both clubs involved in this summer's transfer window.
The Brazilian winger, aged 25, has twelve months remaining on his current contract with Arsenal. Despite contributing fifty-three appearances and eleven goals across all competitions during the previous season, which saw the Gunners secure the Premier League title, Martinelli is no longer viewed as a central figure in manager Mikel Arteta’s tactical plans. Arteta has made his position clear to the player, explaining the reasoning behind his exclusion from recent squad selections.
Martinelli was notably omitted from Arsenal’s starting lineup and bench for their league opener against Coventry City on Friday. The Gunners secured a 3-0 victory in that match without his involvement. This decision has drawn criticism from former Arsenal striker Ian Wright, who expressed discomfort with the manner in which the club is handling the situation. Wright suggested that while a departure may be inevitable, the process should respect the player’s dignity and preferences.
The finalization of the transfer rests largely on Martinelli’s personal decision regarding his next career move. He has already declined an opportunity to join Galatasaray, indicating selectivity about potential destinations. The offer from Al-Hilal includes a wage package understood to be significantly higher than his reported weekly earnings of £180,000 at Arsenal. This financial incentive is likely a key factor in his consideration of the Saudi Pro League.
Martinelli joined Arsenal from Brazilian side Ituano in 2019, establishing himself as a regular contributor over several seasons. His departure would represent a significant change for the squad, particularly given his role in their recent title-winning campaign. The club’s willingness to sell a player with a year left on his contract underscores Arteta’s commitment to reshaping the roster according to his specific vision for the upcoming season.
Al-Hilal’s interest in Martinelli is part of a broader recruitment strategy that also includes pursuit of Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins. The English international did not feature in Villa’s opening weekend defeat by Brighton, and manager Unai Emery has refused to guarantee Watkins’ future at the club. This parallel interest highlights Al-Hilal’s aggressive approach to strengthening their attacking options with high-profile European talent.
The situation reflects a wider trend in football where clubs are increasingly willing to move on players who do not fit the manager’s long-term plans, even if they have recently contributed to success. For Arsenal, this decision signals a clear break from certain elements of the previous squad as they look to build a new core for future campaigns. The financial implications of such transfers also play a crucial role in club strategy and squad management.
As negotiations progress, the focus remains on whether Martinelli will accept the move to Saudi Arabia. His decision will not only impact his own career trajectory but also influence Arsenal’s ability to reinvest funds into new signings. The coming days will be critical in determining the final outcome of these talks and the subsequent direction for both clubs involved in this high-profile transfer saga.
The potential departure of Martinelli raises questions about how Arsenal will replace his contributions on the wing. With Arteta having made it clear that the player is not in his plans, the club must now look to other options to fill the void left by his absence. This transition period will be closely watched by fans and analysts alike as the team prepares for the challenges of the new season.
In summary, the advanced talks between Arsenal and Al-Hilal represent a significant development in the transfer market. The combination of financial incentives, managerial decisions, and player preference creates a complex scenario that could reshape both clubs’ rosters. As the situation unfolds, it will be interesting to see how this move impacts the broader landscape of European football and the Saudi Pro League’s growing influence.
Sources behind this briefing
Go to the original reporting
- BBC News↗Al-Hilal in advanced talks to sign Arsenal's Martinelli
