Al Hilal Launch Stunning Raid for Arsenal Star Martinelli
Al Hilal Want to Sign Arsenal Star Gabriel Martinelli: What You Need to Know
The Big Story in Simple Terms
Imagine your favorite video game character might switch teams. That’s kind of what’s happening right now with Gabriel Martinelli, a super-fast Brazilian winger who plays for Arsenal. A rich team from Saudi Arabia called Al Hilal wants to buy him, and everyone is talking about it!
Who Is Gabriel Martinelli?
Quick Player Profile
- Age: 25 years old
- Nationality: Brazilian
- Position: Winger (runs up and down the sides of the field)
- Current Team: Arsenal (England)
- Contract: Until 2027 (with option for one more year)
- Arsenal Career: 278 games, 62 goals since joining in 2019
- Last Season: 53 appearances, helped Arsenal win the Premier League AND reach the Champions League final
What’s Happening Right Now?
The Saudi Interest
- Al Hilal (a big, wealthy club in Saudi Arabia) wants to sign Martinelli
- They’re talking to his agents/representatives about a possible move
- Martinelli is open to the idea of moving
Arsenal’s Stance
- Price tag: Around £60 million (that’s about $77 million!)
- Not forcing him out: Arsenal will sell if a good offer comes, but Martinelli isn’t demanding to leave
- Contract situation: He still has years left on his deal, so Arsenal has the power
Recent History: The Galatasaray Rejection
Timeline Alert!
August 12: Turkish team Galatasaray offered €45 million (£38.4m / $51.8m) for Martinelli
August 14: Martinelli’s camp told Arsenal: "No thanks, not interested" in moving to Turkey
Result: That deal died, but now Al Hilal has entered the chat!
Why Is Martinelli Not Playing Recently?
Martinelli was left out of the matchday squad for two big games:
- Community Shield vs Manchester City (Arsenal won!)
- First Premier League game vs Coventry City (Arsenal won!)
This is a huge clue that something might be happening behind the scenes. When a star player suddenly doesn’t even sit on the bench, transfer talks are usually advanced.
Arsenal’s Summer Shopping & Selling
Arrivals (Players Coming IN)
- Christos Tzolis – Winger from Club Brugge (Belgium)
Departures (Players Going OUT)
- Leandro Trossard → Besiktas (Turkey) for €20 million
- Christian Norgaard → Everton (England) for £7 million
Missed Targets
- Vinicius Junior – Arsenal wanted him, but he signed a new long-term deal with Real Madrid instead
Al Hilal’s Summer So Far
The Saudi club has been busy buying attackers:
- Crysencio Summerville – Joined from West Ham United in July
- Darwin Nunez – Announced Sunday he’s joining Al-Diriyah on loan (different Saudi team)
- Gabriel Martinelli – Current target (talks ongoing)
Why Does Arsenal Need to Sell Players?
Financial Fair Play & Squad Balance
Arsenal entered the summer knowing they had to sell players to:
- Balance the books (financial rules)
- Make room for new signings
- Avoid having too many players in the same position
They’ve sold two so far, but more departures are expected before the transfer window closes.
Summary: What Happens Next?
| Scenario | Likelihood | What It Means |
|---|---|---|
| Move to Al Hilal happens | Medium-High | Talks ongoing, player open, Arsenal wants £60m |
| Stays at Arsenal | Possible | If Al Hilal won’t pay £60m or Martinelli changes mind |
| Another club enters | Low | Always possible in transfer windows |
Bottom line: This is a live situation. Martinelli is a top player in his prime, Arsenal wants a big fee, and Al Hilal has the money. The next few days/weeks will tell the story!
FAQ: Your Questions Answered
Why would Martinelli leave Arsenal for Saudi Arabia?
Simple answer: Money and a new challenge. Saudi clubs pay huge wages (often 2-3x what European clubs pay), and at 25, he might want a fresh adventure after winning the Premier League.
Is £60 million a fair price?
Yes! He’s 25 (prime years), Brazilian international, proved he can do it in the Premier League, and has years left on his contract. The Galatasaray offer of £38m was considered too low.
What does "open to the possibility" mean?
It means he’s listening. He’s not saying "get me out of here," but he’s not saying "I’m staying forever" either. He’s keeping his options open.
Why was he left out of the squad if he might stay?
Teams often protect assets during transfer talks. If he gets injured playing, the deal could collapse. It’s standard practice when a big move is close.
When does the transfer window close?
The 2026 summer window typically closes in early September (exact date varies by league). So there’s still time, but not forever!
Key Takeaways
REMEMBER THESE 3 THINGS:
- Al Hilal wants Martinelli – Talks happening now with his camp
- Arsenal wants £60m – They’ll sell at the right price, but don’t have to sell
- Martinelli is open to it – But he rejected Turkey, so Saudi must be appealing for a reason
Want to follow the live action? The Athletic has live coverage of the entire 2026 summer transfer window with minute-by-minute updates!