Arsenal winger Gabriel Martinelli is reportedly closing in on a move to Saudi Pro League giants Al-Hilal, with negotiations between the two clubs now at an advanced stage.
The Brazilian international has emerged as a major target for Al-Hilal, who are understood to be working towards a deal worth around £50 million which will make Martinelli Arsenal’s most expensive outgoing transfer.
The 25-year-old is reportedly been open to the possibility of moving to Saudi Arabia after finding himself on the fringes of Mikel Arteta’s plans. He was not included in Arsenal’s matchday squad for the Community Shield or their opening Premier League fixture of the season.
Reports suggest the proposed deal could include a 20 per cent sell-on clause, while Al-Hilal are also prepared to offer Martinelli a significantly improved financial package compared with his current Arsenal contract. Although an agreement between Arsenal and Al-Hilal is reportedly close, Martinelli still needs to finalize his personal terms before the transfer can be completed.
The recent reports indicate that he has seriously considered the move and is increasingly open to joining the Saudi club. A departure would bring an end to Martinelli’s seven-year spell at Arsenal.
He joined the Gunners from Brazilian side Ituano in 2019 and developed into an important attacking player under Arteta. Arsenal are already looking at potential replacements, with Atletico Madrid forward Julián Álvarez reportedly remaining a major doubt for the Gunners.