Arsenal: Gabriel Martinelli edges closer to a move to Al-Hilal

Arsenal are on the verge of breaking their sale record with the departure of Gabriel Martinelli. The English champions are currently negotiating with Al-Hilal over a transfer fee estimated at £60 million for the Brazilian winger. According to transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano, the Saudi club has officially contacted Arsenal to open discussions over Martinelli’s transfer.

The Brazil international is said to be in favour of a move to the Saudi Pro League. He reportedly ranks Al-Hilal as his preferred option, ahead of the two other targets under consideration by the Saudi club, Pedro Neto and Francisco Conceição. An initial offer had already been made by Galatasaray, but Martinelli is said to have turned it down. The Turkish club was prepared to invest around £45 million to sign the 25-year-old forward.

Should negotiations with Al-Hilal succeed, Arsenal would complete a major financial deal with Martinelli’s departure. The Brazilian, who arrived in London in 2019, could thus leave the Gunners after several seasons at the top level.