Gabriel Martinelli’s future at Arsenal hangs in the balance as Al-Hilal initiates negotiations for a permanent transfer ahead of the summer transfer window closing, with the Saudi Pro League club preparing an official bid exceeding 50 million euros. According to reports from Fichajes.net and Diario AS, the 25-year-old Brazilian forward has seen his tactical standing drop under manager Mikel Arteta, opening the door for a high-profile departure from the Emirates Stadium.
Al-Hilal Advances Pursuit as Arsenal Sets Valuation
Al-Hilal has targeted Martinelli as a primary offensive reinforcement for the final stretch of the transfer window, according to Fichajes.net. The Riyadh-based club has positioned itself to meet Arsenal’s asking price, which ranges between 50 and 60 million euros in fixed fees. Club executives from Saudi Arabia are scheduled to hold telematic discussions with Martinelli’s representatives and Arsenal directors to finalize terms before the weekend.
The forward, who has accumulated 27 international caps for the Brazil senior national team, finds himself evaluating options outside of London due to reduced playing time. While his current contract with the Premier League side runs until June 2027, the club’s technical staff no longer views him as an untouchable asset.
Tactical Shift and Absence from Matchday Squads
Arteta left Martinelli out of the matchday squad for the Community Shield and the Premier League opening fixture against Coventry City. That omission underscored a clear shift in the team’s tactical hierarchy, prompting interest from multiple European outfits prior to Al-Hilal’s emergence.
European suitors explored potential deals earlier in the window. Galatasaray submitted proposals reaching up to 45 million euros—matching the player’s current valuation on Transfermarkt—though those bids were ultimately dismissed. Meanwhile, AS Roma and Newcastle United have also requested terms to evaluate a possible move for the winger.
Player Preference and Financial Landscape
Despite concrete interest from the Saudi Pro League, Martinelli’s primary preference has remained centered on continuing his career in European football. However, the lack of regular minutes in Arteta’s starting lineup forces a reassessment of his options as Al-Hilal prepares a lucrative financial package to convince the forward to make the switch to West Asia.
Arsenal’s sporting department remains open to facilitating the transfer provided that the final proposal satisfies their valuation benchmarks. With the transfer deadline approaching, the upcoming meetings between the clubs and the player’s camp will determine whether the winger remains in the Premier League or embarks on a lucrative move to the Saudi top flight.
Next Steps Before the Transfer Window Closes
Al-Hilal’s delegation will present its formal economic proposal in the coming days, seeking to bridge the gap between the player’s initial preference for Europe and the financial realities of the current market. Arsenal returns to Premier League action next month as the club navigates the final hours of summer squad adjustments.
Related reading
