Arsenal have reportedly placed a price tag of around £60 million on Gabriel Martinelli as negotiations with Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal continue over a potential transfer for the Brazilian winger.
The proposed fee would represent a significant return for Arsenal on a player who arrived in north London seven years ago as an emerging talent from Brazilian club Ituano.
Martinelli’s future at the Emirates has increasingly come under question after he was omitted from Arsenal’s matchday squad for both the Community Shield and the Premier League fixture against Coventry City.
His absence has fuelled speculation that manager Mikel Arteta is prepared to sanction the 25-year-old’s departure as Arsenal reshape their attacking options ahead of the transfer window deadline.
£60m target for Arsenal
According to reports, Arsenal are seeking approximately £60 million for Martinelli, a figure that would give the club a record transfer fee for the player.
Negotiations are understood to be ongoing with Al-Hilal, with Martinelli reportedly receptive to the prospect of moving to the Saudi Pro League.
The Brazil international had previously rejected a potential move to Galatasaray earlier this month, but his attitude towards a move to Saudi Arabia is understood to be different.
Arsenal are therefore increasingly optimistic that a deal can be reached if the two clubs can agree on the financial terms.
Martinelli's Arsenal journey nearing an end
Martinelli joined Arsenal in 2019 after being recommended by renowned talent scout Francis Cagigao.
At the time, he was relatively unknown outside Brazil, but he quickly established himself as an important member of Arsenal’s squad with his pace, direct running and ability to operate from the left flank.
His potential departure comes after seven years in north London and represents the end of a significant chapter in his Arsenal career.
However, the winger now appears to have fallen down Arteta’s pecking order as the manager looks to refresh his attacking options.
Summer signing Christos Tzolis was handed an opportunity in Martinelli’s customary left-wing position and made an encouraging debut, adding further competition for a place that Martinelli previously occupied regularly.
Arteta has also made clear that difficult decisions will be necessary as Arsenal continue to assemble a squad capable of competing across multiple fronts.
Arteta continues squad reshuffle
The Martinelli situation is part of a wider squad-management process at Arsenal.
Arteta has confirmed that Myles Lewis-Skelly and Martin Zubimendi remain part of his plans, while the club is reportedly looking at a loan move for Ethan Nwaneri to provide the young midfielder with more regular playing time.
With Arsenal also seeking another attacking signing before the transfer window closes, Martinelli has increasingly emerged as the player most likely to generate the funds and squad space required for further recruitment.
His status as an established international and Premier League player makes him Arsenal's most marketable asset among those considered available.
Ian Wright unhappy with handling of exit
While Arsenal appear prepared to move forward without Martinelli, the way the winger's expected departure has been handled has reportedly caused discontent among some supporters and former players.
Arsenal legend Ian Wright has expressed his unhappiness with the situation, particularly given Martinelli's contribution to the club since arriving as an unheralded teenager.
Martinelli has developed from an unknown prospect into a prominent Premier League forward during his time at Arsenal, making his impending exit a notable moment for the club.
His omission from the squad for Arsenal’s Community Shield victory over Manchester City was an early indication that his position had changed.
His subsequent absence from the Premier League opener against Coventry has only intensified speculation that his Arsenal career is approaching its conclusion.
Saudi move could complete transfer
With Al-Hilal now in negotiations and Martinelli reportedly open to the move, Arsenal's £60 million valuation could become the key factor in determining whether the transfer is completed.
For Arsenal, the deal would provide substantial funds for further attacking recruitment while allowing Arteta to reshape a squad in which Martinelli no longer appears guaranteed a regular starting role.
For Martinelli, a move to Saudi Arabia would represent a major new chapter after seven years in England.
The Brazilian arrived at Arsenal with little fanfare in 2019. Seven years later, he could leave as one of the club's most valuable saleable assets — provided Al-Hilal meets Arsenal's asking price.