Arsenal and Al Hilal have made significant progress in negotiations over Gabriel Martinelli, with the Brazilian winger increasingly likely to leave the Premier League champions for Saudi Arabia before the transfer window closes.
Talks have accelerated in recent days and Martinelli is open to joining the Saudi Pro League club. Arsenal are seeking around £60 million for the 25-year-old, although the clubs have yet to formally announce an agreement.
More recent reports suggest the two sides are closing the gap over the transfer fee. talkSPORT reports that Al Hilal have offered £47 million plus £4 million in add-ons, while other reports put the potential final agreement in the £50m-£55m region.
Martinelli open to Saudi Arabia move
Martinelli’s willingness to consider Al Hilal represents a significant development after he previously rejected the possibility of moving to Turkey.
The Brazil international turned down an approach from Galatasaray but has opened the door to Saudi Arabia following discussions over his Arsenal future.
Al Hilal are also negotiating directly with Martinelli’s representatives over personal terms. CBS Sports reports that the Saudi club are prepared to offer him more than €20 million per year plus bonuses.
Martinelli has not featured in Arsenal’s opening two matchday squads of the new season, further fuelling expectations that his seven-year stay in north London is approaching its end.
Arsenal could make huge profit on £6m signing
Any agreement around the £50m-£60m mark would represent an enormous return on the relatively modest amount Arsenal invested in Martinelli.
The Gunners signed the then teenager from Brazilian club Ituano in July 2019 for a reported £6 million. He has since developed into a Brazil international and an important member of Arsenal’s attack.
Martinelli has accumulated 278 appearances and scored 62 goals for Arsenal, according to the latest reports surrounding his potential departure.
A sale at the figures currently being discussed would also represent one of Arsenal’s biggest outgoing transfers.
Al Hilal push to complete deal
The transfer has moved quickly since Al Hilal established direct contact with Arsenal.
Sky Sports reports that discussions have progressed over the past few days, although the two clubs still need to finalise the package before Martinelli can complete his move.
The Saudi side are now working to reach agreements both with Arsenal and the player’s representatives, with negotiations entering a decisive stage.
The development could also have implications for Arsenal’s remaining transfer business. The Gunners continue to be linked with Atletico Madrid striker Julian Alvarez as they consider further changes to their attacking options before the deadline.
