Arsenal Striker Martinelli Nears £55M Move to Saudi Giants Al-Hilal
SingTao · 1 SOURCESabout 1 hour ago2 MIN
Summary
Arsenal's Brazilian winger Gabriel Martinelli is close to completing a £55 million move to Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal, according to reports from the Daily Mail. The 25-year-old joined Arsenal from Brazilian club Ituano in 2019 for just £6 million and was a key contributor to their Premier League title win last season. With his contract entering its final year, Arsenal are eager to cash in rather than risk losing him for free next summer.
Key Points
- Martinelli, 25, joined Arsenal from Ituano for £6 million in 2019 and now on brink of £55 million exit
- The Brazilian international scored 11 goals in 53 appearances last season as Arsenal won the Premier League
- Galatasaray previously offered £38.5 million but Martinelli rejected the Turkish club, preferring a move to Saudi Arabia
- Al-Hilal are also pursuing Aston Villa's English striker Ollie Watkins to pair with Martinelli in a formidable attack
- Arsenal plan to use the £55 million windfall to fund a move for Atletico Madrid forward Julian Alvarez
- However, Alvarez has publicly stated his preference is to join Barcelona, complicating Arsenal's pursuit
Why It Matters
The proposed transfer highlights the growing financial muscle of Saudi Arabian clubs in the global transfer market, as they continue attracting established European talent with lucrative offers. For Arsenal, the sale would provide crucial funds to strengthen their attack, though convincing Alvarez to choose north London over Barcelona presents a significant challenge .
The proposed transfer highlights the growing financial muscle of Saudi Arabian clubs in the global transfer market, as they continue attracting established European talent with lucrative offers. For Arsenal, the sale would provide crucial funds to strengthen their attack, though convincing Alvarez to choose north London over Barcelona presents a significant challenge .