Gabriel Martinelli transfer could give Al Hilal a new winger and Arsenal a landmark sale

Al Hilal are close to signing Arsenal winger Gabriel Martinelli after negotiations between the two clubs moved into their final stages, with a deal worth between £50m and £55m under discussion.

The proposed transfer could have significance beyond strengthening the Saudi Pro League side. If completed at the reported fee, Martinelli’s move would become the most expensive sale in Arsenal’s history, surpassing the £35m transfer of Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain to Liverpool in 2017.

Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano reports that Arsenal are now prepared to approve the sale, although talks over personal terms with Martinelli are continuing. The Brazil international has the final say over his future.

Martinelli’s potential departure has become more likely after he was left out of Arsenal’s squad at the start of the season. He did not feature in the team’s matches against Manchester City in the Community Shield or Coventry in the opening game of the league campaign, increasing uncertainty over his position at Emirates Stadium.

The 23-year-old joined Arsenal in 2019 and has become one of the club’s most prominent wide players. However, his absence from the opening squads suggests he may no longer be central to the manager’s immediate plans, with Al Hilal now attempting to complete a deal that would take him to the Roshn Saudi League.

For Al Hilal, the move would provide a new wide option following Malcom’s departure and give head coach Simone Inzaghi another attacking player. The club are seeking to finalise the agreement as discussions continue with Martinelli over the terms of his contract.

Arsenal, meanwhile, would have the opportunity to generate a record transfer fee from the sale of a player who has worn the club’s shirt since 2019. Oxlade-Chamberlain’s move to Liverpool has remained Arsenal’s highest-value outgoing transfer, reportedly bringing in about £35m.

A fee of between £50m and £55m would therefore move Martinelli’s transfer comfortably past that mark and make him the most expensive player Arsenal have ever sold.

The coming days are expected to be important for both clubs. Al Hilal want to secure the agreement and add Martinelli to Inzaghi’s attacking options, while Arsenal must decide whether the financial return represents the best outcome for a player whose future has become increasingly uncertain.

The deal remains subject to agreement on personal terms, but negotiations between the clubs are understood to be at an advanced stage. If completed, the transfer would simultaneously strengthen Al Hilal’s squad and establish a new record for an Arsenal sale.