Gabriel Martinelli set for Al-Hilal medical after Arsenal reach transfer agreement

Gabriel Martinelli is expected to travel to Saudi Arabia in the coming hours for a medical as he moves closer to leaving Arsenal for Al-Hilal, according to transfer journalist Matteo Moretto.

Moretto reports that Al-Hilal have reached an agreement with Arsenal over the transfer of the Brazil winger during the summer transfer window. If the move is completed, Martinelli is set to sign a contract running until the summer of 2030.

The 25-year-old is expected to earn about 20m euros a year under the proposed agreement. Reports also claim Al-Hilal are prepared to pay Arsenal 60m euros for the player.

However, Sky Sports says negotiations between the Saudi club and Arsenal are still continuing, suggesting the final details of the transfer have yet to be completed.

Martinelli has become open to a move to Al-Hilal after turning down an offer from Turkey. Galatasaray had made a strong attempt to sign the Arsenal winger before the end of the summer transfer window, according to reports.

The Brazil international’s recent record in the Premier League has been modest by his previous standards. He scored only once in 30 league appearances last season and has managed 15 goals in his past 98 matches in the competition.

He was absent from Arsenal’s opening Premier League match against Coventry City as he considers his future with the club.

Martinelli’s potential departure would leave Arsenal with limited options in the wide attacking positions if they do not sign a replacement winger.

Noni Madueke can operate on either flank, while Christos Tzolis is expected to be used in more than one attacking position. The situation could also lead manager Mikel Arteta to rely more heavily on Max Dowman.

It remains unclear whether Dowman, who is 16, is ready to take on a significant first-team role during the coming season.

For Arsenal, the proposed sale would provide a substantial transfer fee but could also reduce their depth on the wings. Martinelli’s possible move follows a period in which he has found goals harder to come by in the Premier League, while his absence from the opening fixture has further highlighted the uncertainty surrounding his position at the club.

Al-Hilal’s willingness to pay 60m euros and offer Martinelli a salary of about 20m euros per year has placed the Saudi club in a strong position, although the reported medical and continuing negotiations mean the transfer is not yet fully complete.