Arsenal star Gabriel Martinelli is not on course to be put on the market and it is unlikely that the Emirates Stadium fan favourite will be handed an opportunity to head to the Saudi Pro League even though he is admired by Al-Nassr, CBS Sports journalist James Benge exclusively told GIVEMESPORT on the latest episode of our Market Madness podcast.
The Gunners have been making alterations to their squad since missing out on silverware during the 2024/25 campaign, with Christian Norgaard becoming the latest acquisition thanks to sealing a £15million move from Premier League counterparts Brentford, but boss Mikel Arteta is planning to oversee further changes.
Gunners Maintaining Plan to Retain Martinelli
Brazil international not expected to head to Middle East
Gabriel Martinelli in action for Arsenal
GMS sources recently revealed that Al-Nassr are contemplating whether to turn their attention towards attempting to sign Martinelli after discovering that Liverpool will not offload Luis Diaz, but Benge is adamant that Arsenal are not actively looking to sanction his departure ahead of the transfer window slamming shut on September 1.
The Brazil international, who has been described as 'outstanding', was a regular starter for the Gunners during the 2024/25 campaign and has been eyed in the Saudi Pro League after Arteta has made it clear that he is in the market to secure a new wide forward as he goes in search of further creativity.
But Arsenal are in a strong negotiating position ahead of any potential bids, thanks to Martinelli still having two years remaining on his £180,000-per-week contract, and Benge has insisted that the north Londoners' preference is to keep him at the Emirates Stadium. The CBS Sports football correspondent told Market Madness:
"My understanding on Gabriel Martinelli is it's a player that they're not looking to sell. But, like almost everyone in the squad, there is a price where a deal can be done. There may be clubs out there that choose to test that price.
"I don't think it will come from Saudi Arabia right now. I know it's sort of frustrating with pre-season around the corner, but Arsenal really are still trying to understand the position they're in."
All statistics courtesy of Sofascore - correct as of 10/07/2025
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