Al Hilal have made official club-to-club contact with Arsenal over Gabriel Martinelli, opening another potentially significant chapter in the Brazilian winger’s uncertain future. The Saudi Pro League club have identified Martinelli as their preferred target ahead of alternatives including Pedro Neto and Francisco Conceição, while the player is understood to be open to the possibility of joining the Saudi side. Recent reports indicate that Arsenal are prepared to consider a sale if their valuation is met, with figures around £60 million being discussed.
The timing is particularly interesting because Gabriel Martinelli’s position at Arsenal has changed considerably. The 25-year-old was left out of the matchday squad for the Community Shield against Manchester City and Arsenal’s Premier League opener against Coventry, increasing speculation that he could leave before the transfer window closes. Reports also indicate that Martinelli has entered the final year of his Arsenal contract, although the club have an option to extend it.
Gabriel Martinelli Becomes Al Hilal’s Priority
The latest Gabriel Martinelli development suggests that Al Hilal have moved beyond simply monitoring the Brazilian and are now actively attempting to establish the conditions for a transfer. Reports say the Saudi club have held discussions with Arsenal and the player’s representatives, with Martinelli receptive to the project. An opening bid of around £50 million has also been reported, although Arsenal are believed to value him closer to £60 million.
That valuation gap could become the central issue. Arsenal have invested heavily in their squad and are not expected to allow an important asset to leave cheaply, even if Martinelli’s position in Mikel Arteta’s current plans has become less secure. The Brazilian has been with Arsenal since joining from Ituano in 2019 and has developed into a player with significant Premier League and international experience. He has made 278 appearances for the Gunners, scoring 62 goals and providing 36 assists, according to recent reporting.
Al Hilal’s preference for Martinelli is also significant because the club have other options. Pedro Neto and Francisco Conceição are understood to be alternatives, but Martinelli currently sits at the front of the queue. In transfer-window language, that means the other two names may have to wait outside the office while Al Hilal try to negotiate with Arsenal’s notoriously stubborn accountant.
Arsenal Must Decide Martinelli’s Future
For Arsenal, the potential departure of Gabriel Martinelli would represent both a sporting and financial decision. Martinelli has been an important contributor since his arrival, but competition for attacking positions has increased, and the club have continued to reshape their forward options. Recent reports indicate that Christos Tzolis has arrived while Leandro Trossard has moved to Besiktas, further changing the composition of Arteta’s attacking group.
Gabriel Martinelli’s situation is therefore not simply about whether Arsenal still rate him. It is about whether the club believe his role, contract situation and transfer value justify keeping him. If Arsenal accept a significant offer, they could generate funds for another attacking addition. If they reject the approach, they would retain a player with Premier League pedigree but face the challenge of managing his reduced role and contractual uncertainty.
There is also an important distinction between being open to a transfer and actively forcing one. Reports indicate that Martinelli has not demanded an exit and previously rejected a substantial offer from Galatasaray because he was not attracted by a move to Turkey. His openness to Al Hilal therefore does not automatically mean he has decided to leave European football.
Al Hilal, meanwhile, are undergoing their own attacking reshuffle under Simone Inzaghi. The club’s recent official activity shows an active summer of squad changes, while reports indicate that they have been exploring several attacking options after changes involving players such as Malcom.
The situation now rests largely on the numbers and Arsenal’s sporting decision. Gabriel Martinelli is open to Al Hilal, Al Hilal clearly want him, and Arsenal have a valuation in mind. If the Saudi club can move close enough to that figure, the transfer could accelerate rapidly. If not, Martinelli could remain in North London and attempt to fight his way back into Arteta’s plans. For now, however, Al Hilal have made their choice—and Martinelli is sitting comfortably at the top of their winger shopping list.
