Gabriel Martinelli poised to complete Al-Hilal move after major Arsenal breakthrough
Gabriel Martinelli is expected to arrive in Riyadh on Tuesday as the Arsenal winger closes in on completing his transfer to Al-Hilal.
Italian transfer journalist Alfredo Pedulla reports that the deal is now done, with Martinelli preparing to travel from London to Saudi Arabia after an agreement worth approximately €59 million (£50m) was reached.
The latest development represents a significant acceleration after Al-Hilal opened talks with Arsenal and the Brazilian’s representatives over a permanent move.
Sky Sports reported earlier on Tuesday that the two clubs had made progress over the previous few days and that Martinelli was seriously considering joining the Saudi Pro League side.
An agreement was said to be nearing completion, with a sell-on clause worth around 20 per cent of any future profit also expected to be included in the deal.
Pedulla has now gone further by reporting that the transfer is effectively complete and that the 25-year-old is due in Riyadh today before joining Simone Inzaghi’s squad.
Martinelli’s departure would end a seven-year association with Arsenal after he joined from Brazilian club Ituano as a teenager in 2019.
He developed into an important player under Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta and has made 278 senior appearances for the Gunners, scoring 62 goals.
Martinelli also played 53 times across all competitions last season as Arsenal finally ended their 22-year wait for the Premier League title and reached the Champions League final.
However, his position changed significantly during the summer following the arrival of Christos Tzolis, while Arsenal have been prepared to sanction his departure for the right proposal.
The Brazil international was subsequently omitted from the squad for the 3-0 Community Shield victory over Manchester City and Friday’s 3-0 Premier League win against Coventry City.
Martinelli had previously rejected the possibility of joining Galatasaray after the Turkish champions made an approach, but he has been considerably more receptive to Al-Hilal’s proposal.
His expected departure could also have implications for Arsenal’s remaining transfer business.
The Gunners are continuing to explore attacking reinforcements before the deadline, with Atletico Madrid forward Julian Alvarez remaining their priority target.
Martinelli’s imminent arrival in Riyadh suggests one significant outgoing is now approaching its conclusion, leaving Arsenal with additional room to reshape Arteta’s attack during the closing days of the window.
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