Gabriel Martinelli Nears Arsenal Exit as Al-Hilal Push for Deal

Gabriel Martinelli is edging towards the Arsenal exit door, with Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal making significant progress towards an agreement for the Brazilian winger.

Al-Hilal are prepared to offer Martinelli more than $23 million (€20 million) per year, plus bonuses, in an attempt to convince him to move to Saudi Arabia.

Club-to-club negotiations are also advancing, although Arsenal and Al-Hilal still have a valuation gap of around $9.3 million (€8 million) to resolve before a transfer can be completed.

Martinelli Becoming More Open to Arsenal Exit

Martinelli had previously been keen to remain at Arsenal despite interest from Saudi Arabia and elsewhere. However, his position appears to have changed after falling out of Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta's matchday plans.

The Brazilian has been left out of Arsenal's squad for both of their competitive matches this season. He has also been informed by Arteta about the reasons behind his absence.

That situation has reportedly made Martinelli more receptive to the possibility of leaving the Emirates.

Arsenal are also seeking a sell-on clause as part of any agreement, which would allow the club to benefit financially if Martinelli is transferred again in the future.

Arsenal Star's Form Has Fallen Since 15-Goal Season

Martinelli's situation represents a significant change from the role he appeared destined to occupy at Arsenal.

During the 2022-23 Premier League campaign, the winger scored 15 goals and supplied six assists, finishing as Arsenal's leading scorer in the competition.

At only 21 years old at the time, Martinelli looked like an important part of Arteta's long-term plans as Arsenal challenged for the Premier League title.

His attacking output has since declined dramatically.

Martinelli scored just once in the Premier League last season and started only 11 league matches, contributing to questions over his place in Arteta's preferred lineup.

Al-Hilal Offer Could Transform Martinelli's Earnings

A move to Al-Hilal would represent a major financial increase for Martinelli.

The Saudi club are prepared to pay the Brazil international more than $23 million (€20 million) annually before bonuses. That would reportedly represent almost double his previous pre-tax earnings at Arsenal.

Martinelli signed his current Arsenal contract in February 2023. The agreement is scheduled to run until the end of June, with Arsenal holding an option to extend it by another year.

The financial package on offer from Al-Hilal could therefore play a major role in persuading the winger to make the move.

Arsenal Could Make Club-Record Sale

If the transfer is completed, Martinelli's departure would reportedly become Arsenal's most expensive outgoing transfer.

That would be particularly significant given the relatively modest fee Arsenal paid to sign him from Brazilian third-tier club Ituano in 2019.

Arsenal paid around $8 million for Martinelli, meaning a substantial sale fee would provide the club with considerable profit that could potentially be reinvested into the squad.

One possible target is Atletico Madrid forward Julian Alvarez, although the Argentine would not provide a direct positional replacement for Martinelli on the left wing.

Martinelli Previously Rejected Saudi and Turkish Interest

Interest in Martinelli from Saudi Arabia is not new.

Last summer, intermediaries reportedly presented the winger to Al-Nassr while Arsenal were looking for a transfer fee in excess of $100 million.

Martinelli rejected that opportunity as he remained committed to staying in north London.

He also turned down a move to Galatasaray earlier this summer. His current willingness to consider Al-Hilal therefore represents a notable shift in his position.

Al-Hilal Targeting Martinelli and Watkins

Al-Hilal are also reportedly confident of adding Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins to their squad, potentially creating a formidable attacking partnership with Martinelli.

Watkins was left out of Aston Villa's squad for their 4-0 defeat against Brighton on Sunday, prompting questions about his future.

Villa manager Unai Emery was asked whether Watkins had refused to play but declined to provide a definitive answer, instead directing questions towards the striker and his agent.

If both transfers materialise, Al-Hilal could significantly reshape their attacking options.

Pedro Neto Was Previously Al-Hilal's Target

Martinelli was not Al-Hilal's original preferred option for the wide areas.

The Riyadh-based club had previously been pursuing Chelsea winger Pedro Neto as they looked to strengthen the flanks of Simone Inzaghi's team.

Those discussions were put on hold after Chelsea reportedly valued the Portugal international at around $136 million.

Al-Hilal have subsequently turned their attention towards Martinelli, with negotiations with Arsenal now moving closer to a potential agreement.

For Arsenal, the sale could provide a major financial boost and create room for another high-profile attacking addition. For Martinelli, it could mark the beginning of a new chapter after his role at the Emirates diminished significantly.

Key Takeaways

• Gabriel Martinelli is increasingly open to leaving Arsenal.
• Al-Hilal are prepared to offer him more than $23 million per year plus bonuses.
• Arsenal and Al-Hilal still need to bridge a valuation gap of around $9.3 million.
• Arsenal want a sell-on clause included in the agreement.
• Martinelli has scored just once in the Premier League after previously registering 15 goals in 2022-23.
• A completed transfer would reportedly become Arsenal's club-record sale.
• Arsenal could reinvest the proceeds in another major attacking signing.
• Al-Hilal are also targeting Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins.

SportsLigue