Al Hilal closing in on deal for Arsenal's Gabriel Martinelli - sources
Al Hilal are closing in on the signing of Arsenal forward Gabriel Martinelli in a deal potentially worth up to €65 million ($76m), sources told ESPN in Brazil. Martinelli has been offered a four-year contract with the Saudi Pro League club, with an agreement at the stage of exchanging draft documents.
Mikel Arteta addressed Martinelli's future in a news conference on Thursday. "Everybody knows and recognised how much we love Gabi and whatever the outcome is, it is because everyone agrees to that," the Arsenal manager said. "We have had conversations. I know what is in each other's hearts, and the words that came through in that conversation make me happy. But it is inevitable you have to say certain things that are tough."
Sources told ESPN that quality of life and the financial package offered by Al Hilal tip the balance in the Saudi club's favour over other proposals. Martinelli's family and representatives have been considering the available options but are not opposed to a move to the Middle East. The forward recently rejected an offer from Turkish side Galatasaray.
The 25-year-old joined Arsenal in 2019 and is under contract until June 2027. He made 61 appearances for club and country last season, scoring 13 goals and providing seven assists.