Club have made £47m offer to sign 25yo Arsenal star
Saudi Pro League club Al-Hilal have submitted a £47 million bid to sign Arsenal winger Gabriel Martinelli, according to The Times.
The Brazil international has fallen out of favour this campaign and was left out of the matchday squads against Manchester City and Coventry City.
Martinelli turned down a move to Galatasaray earlier this month, but he is said to be considering the prospect of joining Al-Hilal in the coming days.
Arsenal value the 25-year-old winger at £60m, but The Times claim that Al-Hilal have submitted a bid of up to £47m for the Ituano graduate.
The Gunners have yet to accept the proposal. Talks are still ongoing between the clubs and no agreement has been reached for the Brazilian’s transfer.
Arsenal should stand firm on Martinelli price tag
The left-sided winger played second fiddle to Leandro Trossard in the Premier League last season. He managed only five goal contributions in the league.
However, he was more effective outside of the English top-flight with 13 goal involvements, eight of those coming in the league phase of the Champions League.
Hence, Martinelli had a fairly good season despite the criticism, and we believe the club should stand firm on their valuation after receiving an opening £47m bid from Al-Hilal.
The forward effectively has almost two years remaining on his contract. His current deal expires in June next year, but Arsenal have the option to extend for 12 months.
Al-Hilal paid £55m plus £5m in add-ons to prise Crysencio Summerville away from West Ham United earlier this summer. Arsenal will no doubt point out the transfer fee.
In our view, Martinelli should be valued higher than the Dutchman due to his good track record, but his contract situation and squad status mean he could leave for a similar package.
If Al-Hilal fail to meet the valuation, Arsenal should keep Martinelli as a deputy to new signing Christos Tzolis, who has already registered two assists in his first two appearances.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com
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