Arsenal are reportedly on the verge of completing a major sale involving Brazilian winger Gabriel Martinelli, with the Premier League champions negotiating a fee of around £60 million with Saudi Pro League side Al Hilal.
The proposed deal would see Martinelli leave the Emirates Stadium after Arsenal opened talks with Al Hilal over a transfer that could become the biggest player sale in the club’s history. The Saudi Arabian side has made official club-to-club contact with Arsenal as it looks to strengthen its attacking options.
According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Al Hilal have formally approached Arsenal for Martinelli, with the Brazilian winger currently ahead of Pedro Neto and Francisco Conceição on the Saudi club’s list of preferred options. Romano reported on X that Martinelli has opened the door to a move to the Saudi Pro League, increasing the possibility that the transfer could go through.
Martinelli had previously rejected an approach from Galatasaray. The Turkish club was prepared to pay approximately £45 million for the 25-year-old, but the Brazilian has now given the green light to Al Hilal as he considers a new chapter away from north London.
For Arsenal, the potential £60 million fee would represent a significant financial milestone. If the transfer is completed at that figure, it would become the highest fee the Gunners have ever received for a player, surpassing their previous record sales.
Arsenal’s previous highest player sale was Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain’s £35 million transfer to Liverpool in 2017. Before that, Nicolas Anelka moved from Arsenal to Real Madrid for €35 million in 2000. A £60 million agreement for Martinelli would therefore comfortably eclipse both deals and establish a new club record.
The proposed departure would also mark a significant change for Martinelli, who has been an important attacking player for Arsenal since joining the club. His pace, direct running and ability to operate from the left wing made him a prominent part of the squad, although competition for places has increased as Arsenal have continued to strengthen their attacking options.
Al Hilal’s interest in Martinelli comes as the Saudi Pro League club considers alternatives for its attack. Romano indicated that Martinelli is currently preferred to Pedro Neto and Francisco Conceição, highlighting the seriousness of the Saudi side’s pursuit.
For Arsenal, the deal would provide a substantial transfer fee that could potentially be reinvested into the squad. However, selling a player of Martinelli’s quality would also leave Mikel Arteta’s side with another important attacking decision to make as they look to build on their Premier League success.
With Martinelli having reportedly given the green light to the move, attention will now turn to negotiations between Arsenal and Al Hilal over the final terms of the transfer. If the two clubs reach an agreement close to the £60 million figure being discussed, Martinelli’s departure would go down as the most lucrative player sale in Arsenal’s history.
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