Arsenal and Al Hilal make progress in talks over Gabriel Martinelli

Arsenal and Al Hilal have made significant progress in negotiations over Gabriel Martinelli, with the Brazil international now seriously considering a move to Saudi Arabia before the transfer window closes.

Sky Sports reports that discussions between the clubs have advanced over the past few days and that an agreement on the transfer fee is moving closer, although no final deal has yet been reached.

The proposed package is also expected to include a clause entitling Arsenal to 20 per cent of any future profit Al Hilal make on Martinelli.

The 25-year-old’s position has shifted during a decisive period for his Arsenal future. He rejected an approach from Galatasaray last week but is understood to be more receptive to Al Hilal’s project should the clubs complete an agreement.

Martinelli has also been absent from Arsenal’s first two competitive squads of the season, missing both the Community Shield victory over Manchester City and the 3-0 Premier League win against Coventry.

His potential departure would close a seven-year spell in north London that began when Arsenal signed him from Ituano in 2019. Martinelli developed into a major part of Mikel Arteta’s attack and was a member of the squad that won the Premier League last season.

Arsenal are already assessing attacking options ahead of the September 1 deadline. Sky Sports reports that Atlético Madrid forward Julián Álvarez remains their leading target, adding further significance to the negotiations over Martinelli’s exit.

There is still work to complete on both the fee and final terms with Al Hilal, but the situation has moved beyond exploratory talks. With Martinelli now open to the move and club-to-club negotiations advancing, Arsenal face a potentially significant change to their forward line in the final week of the window.