Arsenal Open Door for Martinelli Exit as Al-Hilal Circles

Arsenal have opened talks with Al-Hilal over the sale of Gabriel Martinelli, with the Brazilian winger now effectively on the market this summer.

Mikel Arteta has told the 23-year-old he does not feature in his plans for the new season, clearing the way for the club to cash in before his contract enters its final year. Martinelli has 12 months left on his deal at the Emirates Stadium, a timeline that sharpens the urgency around any decision.

Galatasaray moved first earlier in the window, tabling a £45 million bid that Arsenal were prepared to accept. The player was not. Martinelli refused to consider a move to Istanbul, shutting down the Turkish club’s hopes of landing him despite the London side’s willingness to sell.

That stance has pushed the saga in a different direction. Al-Hilal have now stepped forward and, crucially, indicated they are ready to go beyond Galatasaray’s £45m offer. Talks have been held between the Saudi Pro League club and Arsenal, with Al-Hilal keen to test the Premier League side’s resolve and the player’s appetite for a move to the Gulf.

Martinelli joined Arsenal from Ituano in 2019, emerging as one of the most exciting young forwards in Europe during his early years in north London. Now, with his role diminished and Arteta drawing a firm line over his future, his time at the club is edging towards a decisive moment.

Al-Hilal’s pursuit of Martinelli forms part of a broader attacking rebuild. The Saudi club are also working on a deal for Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins, underlining the scale of their ambition as they try to assemble another marquee front line.

Whether Martinelli chooses the Saudi project over a European stay will define the next chapter of his career – and say plenty about where Arsenal believe their evolution under Arteta is heading.