CORNERFLICK
Al Hilal have opened talks to sign Gabriel Martinelli from Arsenal, according to The Athletic journalist David Ornstein, as the Saudi side look for another wide attacker after bringing in Chrisensio Somerville and ending their agreement with Malcom.
Negotiations begin
The 25-year-old Brazil winger is now on Al Hilal’s shortlist, and talks with his representatives are understood to be under way. No agreement has been reached between the clubs yet, but the negotiations are said to be moving in a positive direction.
Arsenal are reportedly asking for around £60 million and would not block Martinelli’s departure if a suitable offer arrives, although they do not want to push him out of the Emirates.
Arsenal may sell before the window shuts
Galatasaray had already tabled a bid worth £38.5 million, but Martinelli’s camp told Arsenal he was not interested in joining the Turkish champions. He is under contract until the summer of 2027, with an option for a further year.
Arsenal have raised only about €30 million from the sales of Leandro Trossard to Besiktas and Christian Norgaard to Everton, and the club are looking to move on more players before the summer window closes. Al Hilal now hope Martinelli’s interest in a move to Saudi Arabia can help take the deal to its final stages.