Arsenal star Gabriel Martinelli closes on £55m move to Saudi Arabia

Arsenal are on the verge of selling winger Gabriel Martinelli to Saudi Arabian club Al-Hilal in a deal that could reach £55 million, according to Fabrizio Romano.

Arsenal Close to £55m Gabriel Martinelli Sale as Al-Hilal Advance Talks

The Gunners have left the 25-year-old Brazilian out of their first two matchday squads this season, fuelling speculation that he is surplus to requirements under Mikel Arteta.

Arsenal are overhauling their left-wing options having already sold Leandro Trossard to Besiktas for £17m and brought in Christos Tzolis from Club Brugge for £34m.

Romano reports that Al-Hilal and Arsenal are in the final stages of negotiations, with a fee of around £50-55 million under discussion.

The journalist wrote on X: “Al Hilal are getting closer to Gabriel Martinelli deal done after club to club talks with Arsenal at final stages.

Fee around £50/55m discussed and #AFC prepared to accept and sell Martinelli. Talks on personal terms ongoing, Gabriel to make final decision soon.”

According to David Ornstein of The Athletic, Arsenal value Martinelli at £60m, meaning Al-Hilal’s offer is not far from meeting their demands.

The Saudi club recently paid West Ham £55m plus add-ons for Crysencio Summerville.

Galatasaray submitted a £38.5m bid for Martinelli earlier this month, but the player rejected the opportunity to move to Turkey, preferring to remain in Europe.

However, according to Ornstein, Martinelli is now open to joining Al-Hilal, with the lucrative Saudi wages potentially convincing him to change his mind.

Al-Hilal are also pursuing Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins, who reportedly refused to play in Villa’s 4-0 defeat to Brighton as he pushes for the move.

Should Martinelli depart, Arsenal have revived their interest in Athletic Club’s Nico Williams, who would cost around £77m.

The Gunners also admire PSG star Bradley Barcola, though Liverpool are favourites to sign the Frenchman.

Martinelli joined Arsenal from Brazilian side Ituano in 2019 and has made 278 first-team appearances, scoring 62 goals. He played 53 times last season as Arsenal won the Premier League title.