Reports from The Athletic and other outlets indicate that Arsenal and Al Hilal are now in talks over a possible deal, with the Saudi club having made Gabriel Martinelli a priority target. Arsenal are understood to be seeking around £60 million, leaving a gap between their valuation and the reported opening offer.
Al Hilal have reportedly submitted a €55 million bid for Arsenal winger Gabriel Martinelli as the Saudi Pro League side step up their efforts to secure the Brazilian before the transfer window closes.
According to reports, the offer has yet to convince Arsenal to sanction a sale, with the Gunners believed to be holding out for a fee closer to £60 million. Nevertheless, Al Hilal’s proposal represents a significant development in the race for the 25-year-old, whose future in north London has become increasingly uncertain.
Martinelli has been a regular presence in Arsenal’s attack since joining the club from Ituano in 2019, but reports suggest he could now be allowed to leave as Mikel Arteta continues to reshape his squad following the club’s title-winning campaign.
The latest offer is understood to be higher than the €45 million proposal previously submitted by Galatasaray. That move ultimately failed to progress after Martinelli reportedly rejected the opportunity to join the Turkish champions, with the player’s reluctance to make that switch bringing the negotiations to an end. ESPN reported earlier this month that Galatasaray had made a €45 million bid for the winger.
Al Hilal, however, are hoping that their financial strength and determination to add another high-profile player to their squad could persuade both Arsenal and Martinelli to consider a deal. Recent reports have suggested that the player is now open to a move to Saudi Arabia, although an agreement has not yet been reached with either ARSENAL or the player’s representatives.
Further speculation over Martinelli’s future has been fuelled by his absence from Arsenal’s squad for the opening Premier League match against Coventry. He was also omitted from the squad for the Community Shield, prompting suggestions that the club could be preparing for his departure, although Arsenal have not publicly confirmed that his exclusion was directly linked to transfer negotiations.
Martinelli remains a valuable asset for Arsenal, having made 278 appearances for the club and scored 62 goals. However, with competition for attacking places increasing, the Gunners could be tempted to accept a substantial offer if it allows them to further reshape their squad before the deadline.
The key question is now whether Al Hilal will improve on their reported €55 million offer. ARSENAL’s valuation remains significantly higher, and negotiations could continue into the final days of the window.
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