Arsenal and Al-Hilal finalise €65m deal for Gabriel Martinelli, says Romano

Arsenal winger Gabriel Martinelli is close to joining Saudi Pro League club Al-Hilal, with the two clubs completing the final details of a deal worth €65m, according to transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano.

Romano said Martinelli had been given permission to move to the Saudi league, with the Brazilian now open to leaving Arsenal during the current summer transfer window.

“The two clubs are finalising the details of the Brazilian’s transfer for €65m,” Romano, who works for Sky Sports, wrote on X.

A date for Martinelli’s medical is expected to be confirmed soon. Previous reports have said the 25-year-old will sign a contract with Al-Hilal until the summer of 2030 if the move is completed, with an annual salary of €2m.

Martinelli’s decision to consider a move to Saudi Arabia comes after he rejected an offer from Turkey. Galatasaray had reportedly pushed strongly to secure the Arsenal forward before the end of the summer transfer window.

The Brazilian made 30 Premier League appearances last season but scored only once. He has found the net 15 times in his past 98 matches in the competition.

Martinelli was absent from Arsenal’s opening league match against Coventry City on Friday as discussions continued over his future at the club.

His potential departure would leave Arsenal with limited options in the wide attacking positions unless they bring in a replacement. Noni Madueke can operate on either flank, while Christos Tzolis is expected to be used in more than one attacking role.

Manager Mikel Arteta could therefore have to rely more heavily on Max Dowman, although it remains unclear whether the 16-year-old is ready to make a significant contribution to the first team during the season ahead.

Martinelli joined Arsenal from Ituano in 2019 and quickly established himself as an important option in the club’s attack. However, his reduced goal return in the Premier League last season and the possibility of a move to Al-Hilal have placed his future at Emirates Stadium in doubt.

The proposed transfer would represent a significant change for both the player and Arsenal. Al-Hilal are seeking to add Martinelli’s pace and ability to play from either side of the attack, while Arsenal would need to assess whether their existing squad can provide sufficient depth on the wings if the deal is completed.

For now, the transfer remains subject to the final agreement between the clubs and Martinelli completing his medical.