Kenya Sport

Gabriel Martinelli Set for £40m Move to Al Hilal Amid Arsenal Squad Discontent Over Arteta's Treatment

Gabriel Martinelli is on the verge of leaving Arsenal to join Saudi club Al Hilal. The Brazilian winger has been instructed by manager Mikel Arteta to seek a new team, a decision that has stirred unrest among the Arsenal players.

Arsenal Winger Faces Sudden Exit

Martinelli, one of Arsenal’s longest-serving players, is closing in on a permanent departure. After being sidelined from recent matchday squads, his upcoming transfer to Al Hilal will bring a swift end to his notable tenure in north London. This move represents a tough change as Arteta pursues a squad overhaul following their Premier League title win.

Tension Builds Over Arteta's Handling

The manner in which Arteta has managed Martinelli's exit has caused dissatisfaction within the dressing room. Reports from ESPN reveal that teammates feel sympathy for Martinelli and are unhappy with how the situation has been handled. The situation worsened when Martinelli was left out of the Community Shield victory against Manchester City, resulting in him missing out on a winners medal. This exclusion reportedly left him very disappointed and upset senior squad members as well.

New Signings Signal Martinelli's Decline at Arsenal

Earlier this summer, Arsenal's acquisition of promising attacker Christos Tzolis for £34 million hinted at a shift away from Martinelli. In addition, the club's bold but unsuccessful attempt to sign Real Madrid star Vinicius Junior suggested a plan to revamp the left wing. Since debuting in 2019, Martinelli made nearly 300 appearances across all competitions, contributing significantly during Arsenal's run to the Champions League final and their first league title since 2004.

Saudi Arabia Transfer Confirmed Despite Initial Hesitation

Following his absence from the opening Premier League match against Coventry City, Martinelli's move now seems certain. Although an offer from Turkish club Galatasaray failed to attract him, Brazilian outlet Globo Esporte reports he has accepted the lucrative proposal from Saudi Arabia despite some initial reluctance. Negotiations over the transfer fee continue, with Arsenal reportedly seeking around £60 million, though sources like ESPN suggest the deal may settle near £40 million.

  • Player: Gabriel Martinelli
  • Current Club: Arsenal
  • New Club: Al Hilal
  • Transfer Fee: Estimated £40 million
  • Reason for Exit: Advised by Mikel Arteta to find a new club
  • Recent Exclusion: Left out of Community Shield and recent Premier League games
  • New Signings Impacting Position: Christos Tzolis and attempted Vinicius Junior signing

Premier League Fixture Reminder:

  • Aston Villa vs Arsenal – 31 August 2026, 21:00

Related Articles