Martinelli considered by Al Hilal as Saudi club plans next attacking move

Al Hilal have added Arsenal winger Gabriel Martinelli to a three-man shortlist as they continue their search for a new wide forward during the current summer transfer window.

The Saudi Pro League club are looking for a replacement for Brazilian winger Malcom, who is reportedly close to leaving the club for UAE side Al Jazira after terminating his contract with Al Hilal.

According to Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano, Martinelli is among the players being considered by Al Hilal, alongside Chelsea’s Portugal international Pedro Neto and one other winger whose identity has not been disclosed.

Romano said Al Hilal have drawn up the shortlist as they assess their preferred option for the position. Martinelli’s future is expected to attract particular attention because, should he leave Arsenal, his preference would be to continue his career at a European club.

However, Romano added that a proposal from Al Hilal could be financially substantial enough to persuade the Brazil international to consider a move if he becomes the club’s priority target.

🚨🔵⚪️ EXCL: Gabriel Martinelli also included in three men shortlist at Al Hilal with Pedro Neto and one more winger.Martinelli prefers European club as next chapter but Hilal proposal would be big one if picked as priority option.

Al Hilal have already strengthened their options in the wide areas this summer by signing Dutch winger Crysencio Summerville from English club West Ham United.

The club are nevertheless continuing their efforts to recruit another winger as they seek to complete their attacking options. That search has intensified with Malcom’s expected departure and the possibility of a significant change to the team’s forward line.

Martinelli has been an Arsenal player since 2019, when he joined the London club from Brazilian side Ituano. During his time with Arsenal, he has made 278 appearances, scoring 62 goals and providing 36 assists.

His inclusion on Al Hilal’s shortlist places him in competition with Neto, who joined Chelsea’s attacking ranks, for the role of potentially replacing Malcom. Al Hilal are expected to decide which candidate to prioritise as the summer window progresses.

Malcom’s reported move to Al Jazira would bring an end to his spell with Al Hilal and create room for another overseas attacking player. The Saudi club’s pursuit of Martinelli is therefore part of a wider attempt to maintain their attacking strength while reshaping their squad for the new season.

For Martinelli, the proposed move would represent a choice between remaining in Europe, which is understood to be his preferred route, and accepting what could be a lucrative offer from Al Hilal. No agreement with the Arsenal winger has been announced, and the Saudi club’s three-player shortlist means other options remain under consideration.