Al Hilal close in on Arsenal winger Gabriel Martinelli deal worth up to £55m

Al Hilal are close to completing a deal for Arsenal and Brazil winger Gabriel Martinelli, with the Saudi club now waiting for the player’s approval before the transfer can be finalised.

According to transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano, the value of the proposed move could reach between £50m and £55m. That is the figure Arsenal have accepted for Martinelli, leaving the player’s decision as the remaining step in negotiations.

Martinelli’s future has become a major focus as the summer transfer window approaches its conclusion. The 24-year-old was absent from Arsenal’s opening Premier League match against Coventry City on Friday while discussions over his next move continued.

Arsenal won that fixture 3-0, but Martinelli was not involved as the club assessed the situation surrounding the Brazil international.

Al Hilal are not the only club to have shown a strong interest in the winger. Galatasaray had also pushed hard to complete a deal for Martinelli before the end of the summer window, according to The Athletic.

The proposed transfer comes after a difficult Premier League campaign for Martinelli in front of goal. He scored once in 30 league appearances last season and provided four assists.

His wider record in the competition has also come under scrutiny, with the winger scoring only 15 goals in his past 98 Premier League matches.

Arsenal are preparing for their second league game of the season, against Aston Villa at Villa Park on Monday. Martinelli’s availability for that match remains uncertain as Al Hilal seek to secure his signature.

The Saudi club have already played two matches in the Saudi Pro League this season. They began with a 3-0 victory over Al Fayha before beating Al Faisaly 4-2 in their second fixture.

Al Hilal are due to face Al Khaleej on Friday in their third league match of the campaign.

For now, Arsenal have agreed the financial terms reported by Romano, while Al Hilal are waiting for Martinelli to give his consent to the move. That approval would allow the clubs to complete a transfer that could be worth up to £55m.