GistReel
Arsenal are in advanced negotiations with Al-Hilal over a potential £50m-plus deal for Gabriel Martinelli, with the Brazilian winger’s future at the Emirates Stadium increasingly uncertain.
Talks between the two clubs have accelerated over the past 24 hours and a transfer could be finalised soon. However, Martinelli would still have to agree to the move to the Saudi Pro League.
The 25-year-old has reportedly already rejected an approach from Galatasaray and could now face a decision over whether to accept Al-Hilal’s lucrative offer.
Martinelli no longer in Arteta’s plans
Mikel Arteta has made it clear that Martinelli is not part of his plans, despite the forward featuring prominently for Arsenal last season.
Martinelli made 53 appearances in all competitions during the 2025-26 campaign, scoring 11 goals as Arsenal won the Premier League title.
However, he was left out of the squad for Friday’s 3-0 victory over Coventry City in Arsenal’s opening league fixture.
Former Arsenal striker Ian Wright questioned the club’s handling of the situation and called for greater consideration of the player’s interests.
“The way Martinelli is being treated at the moment, it really makes me feel uncomfortable,” Wright told Sky Sports.
“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.”
Martinelli joined Arsenal from Brazilian club Ituano in 2019 and has one year remaining on his current contract.
Al-Hilal offer could tempt Brazilian
A move to Saudi Arabia would reportedly represent a major financial upgrade for Martinelli, with Al-Hilal prepared to offer him significantly more than his reported £180,000-a-week salary at Arsenal.
The Saudi club’s pursuit of the winger is also taking place alongside their interest in Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins.
Watkins was absent from Villa’s 4-0 defeat by Brighton on Sunday, while manager Unai Emery declined to provide a clear explanation for his omission or guarantee that the England international would remain at the club.