Arsenal Consider Martinelli Sale as Al-Hilal Makes Big Offer

Arsenal have held talks with Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal over the sale of winger Gabriel Martinelli, in what would mark a sharp and decisive break from a player once viewed as central to the club’s future.

The Brazil international has been told he is free to leave this summer. Mikel Arteta has made it clear to the 23-year-old that he does not feature in his plans, a brutal message for a forward who arrived in 2019 as one of the most exciting young prospects in Europe.

Galatasaray tried to seize the moment earlier in the window. The Turkish giants tested Arsenal’s resolve with a £45m bid, but Martinelli refused to entertain a move to Istanbul, shutting down that avenue despite the Premier League club’s willingness to do business.

The real money, though, is now on the table from Saudi Arabia. Al-Hilal have informed Arsenal they are prepared to go higher than Galatasaray’s offer as they push to add the winger to their growing cast of headline names.

Martinelli has just 12 months left on his deal at the Emirates Stadium, a contract situation that hands Arsenal a clear decision: cash in now or risk losing a once-prized asset for significantly less down the line.

He joined from Brazilian side Ituano in 2019 and surged into the spotlight with his intensity, direct running and eye for goal. But as Arteta reshapes his attack, the club is ready to listen, and Saudi interest has arrived at exactly the right time for the hierarchy.

Al-Hilal’s move for Martinelli is not happening in isolation. The Riyadh club are also pursuing Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins as they look to reinforce both flanks and the centre of their forward line in one sweeping recruitment drive.

For Arsenal, the message is stark. A player who once symbolised the project’s youthful energy is now on the market, and the next offer from Saudi Arabia may be too big – and too timely – to turn down.