Arsenal Negotiates Martinelli Sale to Al-Hilal

Arsenal have opened negotiations with Al-Hilal over the sale of winger Gabriel Martinelli, with the Brazilian now available to leave the Emirates this summer.

Mikel Arteta has told the 23-year-old he does not feature in his plans for the coming season, clearing the way for a departure five years after Martinelli arrived from Ituano and lit up north London with his explosive, all-action style.

Galatasaray moved first earlier in the window, lodging a £45m bid that Arsenal were prepared to accept. Martinelli, though, refused to entertain a switch to Istanbul and stalled any agreement despite the Turkish club’s strong interest.

The door has now opened for Al-Hilal. The Saudi Pro League side have informed Arsenal they are ready to go beyond Galatasaray’s offer as they push to add the Brazil international to their growing cast of high-profile signings.

Martinelli has just 12 months left on his current deal at the Emirates Stadium, a situation that leaves Arsenal under pressure to cash in now rather than risk losing him for significantly less down the line.

Al-Hilal’s pursuit of Martinelli comes as part of a broader attacking rebuild, with the Riyadh club also working on a move for Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins.