Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta
Arsenal winger Gabriel Martinelli could become the latest big name to switch to Saudi Arabia, with Al Hilal looking to sign the Brazilian this summer, per reliable journalist David Ornstein.
TEAMtalk confirmed in an update on Friday that Arsenal are willing to listen to offers for the 25-year-old this summer, and that a sale is possible if the ‘right proposal’ arrives.
The Gunners have signed Christos Tzolis, and he looks set to be Mikel Arteta’s new first-choice option on the left wing. He put in an excellent performance in Arsenal’s 3-0 victory over Coventry City.
We noted in our report that a move to the Saudi Pro League was possible, and now Al Hilal has emerged as the most likely destination for Martinelli.
Galatasaray looked a possible switch for Martinelli earlier this week, but Ornstein confirms that he is not looking to move to Turkey as things stand.
“Al Hilal pursuing deal to sign Gabriel Martinelli from Arsenal. No agreement yet but talks ongoing between clubs + with 25yo winger,” Ornstein posted on X.
“#AFC want in region of £60m & Brazil international open to #AlHilal possibility after turning down Turkey.”
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Arsenal name their price for Gabriel Martinelli
Arsenal paid just £6million to sign Martinelli from Brazilian club Ituano back in 2019 and he has come up with some huge moments for the London club.
He has notched an impressive 62 goals and 36 assists in 278 games for Arsenal.
Given Tzolis cost Arsenal around £34million this summer, selling Martinelli for £60million would represent excellent business.
Whether Al Hilal are willing to pay that much remains to be seen, but they are prioritising the addition of a new winger this summer.
They wanted to sign Everton’s Iliman Ndiaye, for example, but ultimately ended negotiations after the player made it clear he didn’t want to move to Saudi Arabia.
They will hope for a different answer from Martinelli, and Ornstein’s suggestion that the is ‘open’ to a Saudi switch will give them confidence of sealing his signing.
Al Hilal now look likely to launch a formal bid for Martinelli, with talks underway.