Al-Hilal is in advanced talks to sign Arsenal forward Gabriel Martinelli this summer, with discussions between the two clubs intensifying significantly over the last 24 hours.
Martinelli has been told he is free to leave Emirates Stadium this summer after manager Mikel Arteta made it clear the attacker is not part of his long-term plans. With a deal now close, the final decision will rest with the player regarding whether he wishes to continue his career in the Saudi Pro League, following an earlier rejected approach from Turkish club Galatasaray.
The proposed move to Al-Hilal comes with a lucrative financial package that is understood to be significantly higher than Martinelli’s reported £180,000-per-week salary at Arsenal. Al-Hilal’s pursuit of the Brazilian forward coincides with the club’s parallel efforts to secure Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins, whose own future at Villa Park remains uncertain after manager Unai Emery declined to guarantee his retention following an opening-weekend defeat.
Squad Omission and First-Team Uncertainty
Speculation surrounding Martinelli’s departure intensified after he was left out of Arsenal’s matchday squad for their Premier League opening fixture against Coventry City on Friday, a match the Gunners won 3-0. BBC Sport notes that Arteta has already explained his reasons directly to the player regarding his exclusion.
The decision to omit the forward drew sharp criticism from former Arsenal striker Ian Wright, who questioned the club’s handling of the situation. “The way Martinelli is being treated at the moment, it really makes me feel uncomfortable,” Wright told Sky Sports. “I know they might want him out, and a lot of people might say, ‘yeah, it’s time for him to move him on’. But there’s ways of doing that and it should suit him as well, how he wants to leave.”
If Martinelli remains in north London, he faces an uphill battle for regular minutes. Arsenal bolstered their attacking options by signing Christos Tzolis, who made an impressive debut against Coventry City, while the club had also explored a potential move for Vinicius Junior before the forward opted to sign a new long-term contract with Real Madrid.
Career Record and Next Steps
Since arriving at Emirates Stadium from Brazilian side Ituano in 2019, Martinelli has established himself as an explosive wide option known for his pace and direct attacking threat. Across 278 appearances in all competitions for the Gunners, he has contributed 62 goals and 36 assists, including 11 goals in 53 appearances last season as Arsenal claimed the Premier League title.
As negotiations between Al-Hilal and Arsenal reach a critical juncture, officials from both clubs are expected to finalize terms. Should an agreement be formally reached, the spotlight will turn to Martinelli to determine his next career chapter. We invite our readers to share their thoughts on this developing transfer story in the comments below.
