Arsenal in advanced talks with Al-Hilal for Martinelli transfer

Arsenal is reportedly in advanced negotiations with Saudi Arabian club Al-Hilal for the transfer of Gabriel Martinelli, with a fee of at least £50 million being discussed. The 25-year-old Brazilian attacker is understood to be free to leave the club this summer, as manager Mikel Arteta has indicated he is not part of the team's future plans.

Discussions between the two clubs have reportedly intensified over the past 24 hours, suggesting a deal is nearing completion. Should an agreement be finalized, the decision on whether to move to the Saudi Pro League will rest with Martinelli, who has previously turned down an offer from Galatasaray. The financial terms proposed by Al-Hilal are said to be substantially higher than his current reported £180,000-per-week salary at Arsenal.

Martinelli, who joined Arsenal from Ituano in 2019, has one year remaining on his contract. He made 53 appearances across all competitions last season, scoring 11 goals as Arsenal secured the Premier League title. However, he was notably absent from the squad for their league opener on Friday, a match Arsenal won 3-0.

Former Arsenal striker Ian Wright expressed his discomfort with the club's current handling of Martinelli's situation. "The way Martinelli is being treated at the moment, it really makes me feel uncomfortable," Wright stated. "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."

Manager Mikel Arteta has reportedly communicated his stance directly to Martinelli and explained the reasons behind his exclusion from recent squads. Al-Hilal's pursuit of Martinelli coincides with their interest in Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins, who also did not feature in his team's opening weekend match.

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The way Martinelli is being treated at the moment, it really makes me feel uncomfortable. 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.