Arsenal have reportedly placed a £60 million valuation on Gabriel Martinelli as Saudi Pro League giants Al Hilal step up their pursuit of the Brazilian winger during the final stages of the summer transfer window.
Negotiations between the two clubs are understood to be ongoing, with Al Hilal also communicating with Martinelli’s representatives about the possibility of moving to Saudi Arabia. There is no agreement between the clubs yet, but the discussions have progressed far enough for the player’s future at Arsenal to become a major talking point.
Martinelli, 25, has gradually slipped down Mikel Arteta’s attacking pecking order, and his absence from Arsenal’s opening fixtures of the new campaign has further fuelled speculation that the club could be prepared to sanction his departure.
The Brazilian was left out of the squad for Arsenal’s Community Shield victory over Manchester City and was again unavailable for the Premier League opener against Coventry City. His continued absence has raised questions about whether Arteta still sees him as a central part of his plans for the season.
Despite the uncertainty, Martinelli has not been actively forcing an exit from the Emirates. However, reports indicate that the winger is now open to considering Al Hilal’s proposal, creating a potentially significant development in negotiations.
Arsenal’s asking price is understood to be around £60 million. If Al Hilal meet that valuation, the deal could represent a substantial financial return for the London club and potentially become the most expensive sale in Arsenal’s history.
The situation has developed rapidly after Martinelli previously rejected another opportunity to leave England. Galatasaray reportedly made a €45 million offer earlier in the transfer window, but the player’s representatives informed Arsenal that he was not interested in joining the Turkish champions.
His position appears different regarding the Saudi Pro League, with the Brazilian now reportedly willing to consider the possibility of continuing his career with Al Hilal.
A move would place Martinelli alongside several high profile names who have chosen the Saudi league in recent years. Al Hilal have also been particularly active during the current transfer window, adding former West Ham winger Crysencio Summerville to their attacking options.
The Saudi club’s interest in Martinelli is understandable given his experience at the highest level of European football. Since joining Arsenal from Brazilian club Ituano in 2019, he has developed into an important Premier League attacker, combining pace, direct running and finishing ability.
Martinelli’s explosive acceleration has traditionally been one of his greatest strengths. From the left side, he has frequently attempted to isolate defenders, attack spaces behind defensive lines and create opportunities through his movement.
However, competition for attacking positions at Arsenal has intensified considerably. The arrival of Christos Tzolis from Club Brugge has provided Arteta with another option on the left side, while the club’s wider recruitment strategy has increased competition throughout the forward line.
At the same time, Leandro Trossard has left Arsenal for Besiktas, creating an interesting situation in which the club could potentially lose one winger while replacing him with another before deciding whether Martinelli’s future lies elsewhere.
Martinelli’s contract situation is another important factor in Arsenal’s thinking. His current agreement runs until 2027, although the club has an option to extend it for an additional 12 months. That gives Arsenal some protection, but it also means the club must consider whether it is better to cash in now rather than risk entering a later stage of his contract without securing a significant transfer fee.
The Brazilian’s departure would also leave Arsenal with an important decision to make regarding squad depth. Arteta would need to ensure that the team has enough quality and experience to compete across the Premier League, Champions League and domestic competitions.
Nevertheless, the transfer is far from complete. The two clubs still have to reach an agreement over the fee, while Martinelli would need to finalise personal terms before the move could become official.
Arsenal’s willingness to discuss a £60 million sale suggests that the club is prepared to make a difficult decision if the right offer arrives. Arteta has consistently demanded competition for places and high standards from his squad, and Martinelli’s reduced involvement could indicate that the manager believes other attacking options currently offer greater tactical value.
The coming days could therefore prove decisive for the Brazilian’s Arsenal career. If Al Hilal meet the Gunners’ valuation and Martinelli agrees to the proposed move, Arsenal could complete one of the most significant outgoing transfers in their history.
For now, negotiations remain ongoing, but one thing is increasingly clear: Gabriel Martinelli’s future at Arsenal is no longer guaranteed, and Al Hilal have emerged as a serious destination for the talented Brazilian winger.
