Arsenal have reached an agreement in principle with Al Hilal over the transfer of Gabriel Martinelli, although the Brazilian winger has yet to agree personal terms with the Saudi Arabian club.
Foot Mercato journalist Santi Aouna reports that Arsenal and Al Hilal have agreed terms for the proposed transfer, which could become the biggest sale in the Gunners’ history.
However, the deal is not complete. Get French Football News reports Martinelli has not yet agreed to the move and still needs convincing.
Gabriel Martinelli deal would break Arsenal transfer record
Recent negotiations have centred on a package worth approximately £50million. talkSPORT previously reported Al Hilal had offered £47million plus £4million in potential add-ons.
Any agreement at that level would eclipse Arsenal’s existing outgoing transfer record.
The Guardian reported that Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain’s £35million move to Liverpool remained Arsenal’s biggest sale, with Emile Smith Rowe’s subsequent transfer to Fulham potentially reaching £34million.
Martinelli has been absent from Arsenal’s opening two competitive squads after missing the Community Shield victory over Manchester City and the Premier League win against Coventry.
He previously rejected interest from Galatasaray, but Sky Sports reports the 25-year-old has been considering a move to Al Hilal.
Arsenal face two separate Martinelli sell-on questions
The financial structure involves more than the headline transfer fee.
Arsenal have been seeking a sell-on clause in their negotiations with Al Hilal, with Sky Sports indicating the proposed arrangement could entitle them to 20 per cent of any future profit.
Separately, Martinelli’s former club Ituano could receive a share of Arsenal’s profit from his departure. Daily Cannon reports the Brazilian side may hold a sell-on entitlement worth between 15 and 20 per cent, although the precise figure has not been publicly confirmed.
Those are separate clauses: one potentially benefits Ituano from Arsenal’s sale, while the other would protect Arsenal’s interest if Al Hilal later sell Martinelli.
Martinelli departure leaves Arteta with winger decision
Selling Martinelli would further change Arsenal’s options on the left.
Leandro Trossard has already joined Besiktas, while Christos Tzolis impressed against Manchester City and Coventry after arriving from Club Brugge.
However, ReadArsenal has examined how Martinelli’s departure could leave Tzolis without another established specialist on the left.
Eberechi Eze can provide cover, although he is also an important creative option through the middle. Arsenal’s interest in Kenan Yildiz has additionally been complicated by the Juventus forward’s foot injury.
For now, the immediate obstacle is persuading Martinelli to accept the proposed move. An agreement between the clubs represents significant progress, but the transfer cannot be completed until personal terms are settled.
Arsenal face Kenan Yildiz injury setback as Martinelli exit advances
Arsenal face Kenan Yildiz injury setback as Martinelli exit advances
Arsenal seek Gabriel Martinelli sell-on clause as £50m talks advance
Arsenal seek Gabriel Martinelli sell-on clause as £50m talks advance