Al-Hilal open talks to sign Arsenal winger Martinelli
August 23, 2026 19:37
Arsenal have held discussions with Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal over a potential sale of winger Gabriel Martinelli. The talks follow Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta telling the forward he is not part of his plans, leaving Martinelli available for a move this summer.
Reports say Al-Hilal have indicated they are prepared to offer more than the £45m bid received from Galatasaray earlier in the window. Galatasaray had been interested but Martinelli was unwilling to move to Istanbul.
KEY CONTEXT
- Martinelli moved to Arsenal from Ituano in 2019 and currently has one year remaining on his Emirates contract.
- Arsenal reportedly received a £45m offer from Galatasaray, which emerged earlier in the transfer period.
- Al-Hilal’s approach for Martinelli comes as the club is also linked with Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins.
WHY IT MATTERS
Arsenal face a decision over a player who is out of favour and has only 12 months left on his contract; accepting an attractive bid would secure a transfer fee rather than risk losing him for free next year. For Al-Hilal, pursuing Martinelli fits a broader pattern of targeting established attacking players, and their willingness to exceed a previous offer underlines intent to strengthen their forward options.
WHAT TO WATCH NEXT
- Whether Al-Hilal will submit a formal bid above the reported £45m offer.
- If Arsenal choose to accept any incoming offer for Martinelli given his contract situation and Arteta’s stance.
- How Al-Hilal’s pursuit of Martinelli interacts with their reported interest in Ollie Watkins and developments around Watkins’ availability at Aston Villa.
KEY FACTS
- Arsenal have held talks with Al-Hilal regarding Gabriel Martinelli.
- Mikel Arteta has told Martinelli he is not in his plans; the player is available this summer.
- Galatasaray lodged a £45m bid earlier, but Martinelli would not consider a move to Istanbul.
- Al-Hilal have indicated they are willing to bid higher than Galatasaray’s offer.
- Martinelli joined Arsenal from Ituano in 2019 and has 12 months left on his contract.
- Al-Hilal are also linked with Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins; Watkins did not play in Villa’s opening-weekend defeat and his manager declined to guarantee his future at the club.