Report: Martinelli open to Saudi move as Al Hilal circle
According to The Athletic, Saudi side Al Hilal want to sign Gabriel Martinelli and the player is open to the move.
The 25-year-old winger has already been the subject of a £45 million approach from Galatasaray, a move he has made clear he doesn’t want to pursue.
In some respects, it’s curious that Martinelli would prefer the Saudi Pro League to the more competitive Turkish Super Lig, where Leandro Trossard recently moved, so you have to assume the financial package on offer is doing a fair amount of heavy lifting.
David Ornstein’s report claims Arsenal want €60 million for the Brazil international, which would represent a club-record sale by some distance.
Martinelli joined the Gunners from Ituano in 2018 and developed into a fan favourite despite the team’s difficulties during Unai Emery’s tenure and the first 18 months of Arteta’s time in charge. Alongside Bukayo Saka and Emile Smith Rowe, he was one of the catalysts for the subsequent upturn in fortunes, although injury meant he wasn’t part of the squad for the 2020 FA Cup success.
In total, he’s made 278 appearances for the Gunners, scoring 62 goals and providing 36 assists. Of those, 53 came last season as Arsenal ended their 22-year wait for the Premier League title, while the Brazilian’s six Champions League goals helped power the club to the final for the first time since 2006.
No doubt many Arsenal fans will be disappointed to see Martinelli leave this summer, especially if, as it appears, he’s being nudged towards the exit. At the same time, the writing has been on the wall for a while.
Several transfer windows have come and gone with the Gunners linked with left wingers. This summer, Arsenal have already recruited Christos Tzolis from Club Brugge and targeted Vinicius Junior. While the latter deal didn’t come off, you’d imagine the club must be confident of landing another target if they’re prepared to let Martinelli depart.
Let’s see how things develop.
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