Mikel Arteta is set to facilitate a record-breaking departure as the Brazilian winger nears a blockbuster move to Al Hilal, ending a seven-year spell in North London.
More Videos
Arsenal are in final stage talks with Saudi Arabian club Al Hilal over the permanent transfer of Gabriel Martinelli for a fee between £50m - £55m as per Fabrizio Romano.
According to several reports, Mikel Arteta has held meetings with the Brazilian over his role this season and the outcome of those meetings is now pointing towards an exit for the 25 year-old following the signing of Chris Tzolis from Club Brugge earlier this summer.
Martinelli is set to leave North London having scored 62 goals and provided 36 assists in 317 appearances in his 7 years at the club. The left-winger signed for the club under Unai Emery in 2019 from then Brazilian 3rd division side Ituano for a fee of £8m and made his competitive debut for the first team against Newcastle, having initially been signed to play for the U21s side.
‘Gabi’ is set to leave N7 with a plethora of crucial goals for Arsenal over his career, including *THAT* solo run and goal in a 2-2 draw vs Chelsea when the side were down to 10 men, the late winning goal against Manchester City at The Emirates Stadium and the goal to seal the victory over Real Madrid at the Bernabeu in the Champions League to name a few. He is also set to leave the club as a Premier League Champion, having also won the FA Cup and 2x Community Shield trophies across his 7 years in England.
Once the deal goes through, Arsenal’s attention must turn to a reinforcement out wide. Having also lost Leandro Trossard to Besiktas this summer, many could argue that Arsenal have regressed in their wing options, with only Tzolis coming in, in the attacking department so far. Despite the Greek international's positive start to his Arsenal career, Mikel Arteta will no doubt want cover in all areas as Arsenal look to ‘attack’ all four major trophies this season.
Gabriel Martinelli's career at Arsenal is set to end after 7 years, with a move to Al Hilal imminent (IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters)
Gabriel Martinelli's career at Arsenal is set to end after 7 years, with a move to Al Hilal imminent (IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters)
If the fee being spoken about does come to fruition, the sale of Gabriel Martinelli will mark the club's record sale, which currently stands at Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain to Liverpool in 2017 for a fee just north of £35m. Whilst a deal between Arsenal and Al Hilal is not quite confirmed, having been left out of the squad during Arsenal's 3-0 opening day victory over Coventry City, all talk is now looking towards Gabriel Martinelli leaving the club for Saudi Arabia very shortly. More updates will no doubt, follow shortly.