Arsenal’s summer of ruthless squad decisions just found its next headline name. Gabriel Martinelli is closing in on a stunning move to Al Hilal, with talks between the two clubs progressing quickly and all parties now pointing in the same direction. What looked like a distant rumor a week ago has turned into one of the most advanced transfer stories of deadline week, and here is everything driving the Martinelli to Saudi Arabia saga.
Official Contact Has Been Made
According to widely respected transfer insider Fabrizio Romano, Al Hilal have made official club-to-club contact with Arsenal over a deal for Martinelli. That is a significant step up from speculative interest, and it places the Brazilian winger firmly ahead of Al Hilal’s other attacking targets, Pedro Neto and Francisco Conceicao, on their shortlist. Talks between the two clubs are reportedly progressing smoothly, with only a relatively small valuation gap left to bridge before an agreement is finalized.
The Numbers Behind the Move
Al Hilal have already tabled an opening offer in the region of 50 million pounds, sitting close to but still below Arsenal’s reported valuation of around 60 million pounds. To sweeten the deal for the player himself, the Saudi Pro League giants are prepared to hand Martinelli a staggering salary north of 23 million dollars per year plus bonuses, a package befitting one of Saudi football’s most ambitious rebuilding projects. Sources indicate the remaining gap between the clubs sits at roughly eight million pounds, hardly an insurmountable obstacle with the transfer deadline fast approaching.
Why Martinelli Is Ready to Go
This is the part of the story that has shifted fastest. Martinelli previously prioritized staying in Europe and had already turned down an approach from Galatasaray earlier this summer despite Arsenal receiving an offer worth around 38 million pounds.
But after losing his starting spot to Christos Tzolis and managing just a single Premier League goal last season, the 25-year-old has reportedly opened the door to a fresh start in Saudi Arabia. Arsenal’s hierarchy have been direct with him, making clear he is no longer central to Mikel Arteta’s plans, and the club has left him out of the squad for both of their competitive matches so far this season.
What It Means for Both Clubs
For Arsenal, cashing in on Martinelli is about more than clearing wages. The funds generated from his sale are expected to help finance a marquee move for Atletico Madrid striker Julian Alvarez before the window shuts on September 1, giving Arteta the attacking reinforcement he has been chasing.
For Al Hilal, landing Martinelli would be a major coup, pairing him with recently signed winger Crysencio Summerville to build what could become one of the most dangerous attacking flanks in Asian football under manager Simone Inzaghi.
What Happens Next
With official contact made, a fee within touching distance, and the player himself now receptive to the move, this transfer has all the hallmarks of a deal that gets done before deadline day. The next 48 hours should tell us whether Arsenal hold firm on their asking price or accept Al Hilal’s improving offer to push the transfer over the line. Either way, Martinelli’s seven-year Arsenal journey, which began as a teenager arriving from Ituano back in 2019, appears to be entering its final chapter.
Stay tuned for updates as talks between Arsenal and Al Hilal continue to develop through the closing days of the summer transfer window.
