Gabriel Martinelli Set for Al-Hilal Move as Reports Claim Arsenal Squad Uneasy Over His Treatment
Arsenal forward Gabriel Martinelli is edging closer to a permanent departure from the club, with the Brazilian winger reportedly closing in on a move to Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal after being told by manager Mikel Arteta to find a new club.
According to multiple reports, Al-Hilal have opened formal talks to sign Martinelli in a deal valued at up to £40 million, with some reports suggesting an offer closer to £60 million. The move would bring a sudden end to Martinelli’s spell in north London, despite the winger being one of Arsenal’s longest-serving players, having made his first-team debut for the club back in 2019 and racked up close to 300 appearances across all competitions since then.
Martinelli has been notably absent from recent Arsenal matchday squads, including the club’s Community Shield victory over Manchester City, a game in which he reportedly missed out on receiving a winners’ medal as a result of his exclusion. Some reports describe the winger as having been left greatly disappointed by the decision, with several of his teammates said to have expressed sympathy toward him over his treatment. According to a report by ESPN, Arteta’s handling of the situation has caused some discomfort within the Arsenal squad, though the extent and significance of that reported unease has been disputed by other outlets, with some pointing out that such sympathy from teammates towards a departing seven-year veteran of the club would hardly be unusual.
The writing had appeared to be on the wall for Martinelli’s future in north London for much of the summer. Arsenal’s earlier £34 million signing of attacker Christos Tzolis, along with an unsuccessful pursuit of Real Madrid winger Vinicius Junior, had already signalled Arteta’s intention to reshape his options on the left flank. Reports also indicate that Martinelli previously turned down interest from Turkish club Galatasaray before ultimately warming to the idea of a move to Saudi Arabia.
Martinelli’s expected departure represents a significant and, by some accounts, ruthless decision by Arteta as he looks to further strengthen a squad that has just won the Premier League title after a 22-year wait. While the winger’s individual influence and playing time had diminished in recent seasons amid growing competition for places in Arsenal’s attack, his impending exit nonetheless marks the end of an era for a player who was part of the core group that helped establish the foundations of Arteta’s rebuilding project at the club.
As talks between Arsenal and Al-Hilal progress, further details on the structure and finalisation of the transfer are expected to emerge in the coming days, with Martinelli’s move set to be one of the more notable departures of the ongoing transfer window for the Premier League champions.
About the Author
