Headline: Arsenal Engages with Al-Hilal on Potential Sale of Gabriel Martinelli
Arsenal has initiated discussions with Saudi Arabian club Al-Hilal regarding the transfer of winger Gabriel Martinelli. The Brazilian international is available for transfer this summer, as manager Mikel Arteta has indicated that Martinelli is not part of his plans moving forward.
Earlier this summer, Turkish club Galatasaray expressed interest in signing Martinelli but the player was not open to a move to Istanbul, despite Arsenal receiving a substantial £45 million bid.
It has come to light that Al-Hilal has informed Arsenal of their intention to submit a bid exceeding that of Galatasaray’s offer.
Martinelli, who made the switch to Arsenal from Brazilian club Ituano in 2019, has a year left on his contract at the Emirates Stadium.
The interest from Al-Hilal in Martinelli coincides with their pursuit of Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins. Watkins, an England international, did not feature in Aston Villa’s opening weekend defeat against Brighton on Sunday, with manager Unai Emery not confirming the forward’s future at Villa Park.
Arsenal have held talks with Saudi Arabian club Al-Hilal over the sale of winger Gabriel Martinelli.
The Brazil international is free to leave the club this summer, with manager Mikel Arteta making it clear to the attacker that he is not in his plans.
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Turkish club Galatasaray showed interest in Martinelli earlier this summer but the Brazilian would not consider a move to Istanbul, despite Arsenal receiving a £45m bid.
It is understood Al-Hilal have communicated to Arsenal that they are willing to bid higher than Galatasaray’s offer.
Martinelli, who joined Arsenal from Brazilian side Ituano in 2019, has 12 months remaining on his deal at the Emirates Stadium.
Al-Hilal’s interest in Martinelli runs alongside a move for Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins.
The England international did not feature in Aston Villa’s opening weekend defeat by Brighton on Sunday, with manager Unai Emery refusing to guarantee the forward would stay at Villa Park.
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