Arsenal finally get Gabriel Martinelli transfer option as £60m sale opens up

Martinelli has been repeatedly linked with a move away from the Premier League champions this summer. Galatasaray held discussions earlier this month, while AS Roma have also shown interest in the 25‑year‑old.

The Athletic now report that Al Hilal are actively pursuing a deal and are in talks with Martinelli's camp over a proposed move. Arsenal are thought to be seeking a fee in the region of £60million.

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While no agreement has been reached, negotiations are ongoing - and Martinelli is understood to be open to the possibility of playing in Saudi Arabia.

He is at a crossroads in his career, with regular minutes in north London looking unlikely following the arrival of Christos Tzolis and Arsenal’s push to add another attacker, with Julian Alvarez among those linked.

Mikel Arteta left Martinelli out of his matchday squads for both the Community Shield and the home win over Coventry on Friday night.

Arsenal icon Ian Wright has admitted he feels 'uncomfortable' with the way Martinelli is being treated.

"With respect to Martinelli and the way he’s being treated at the moment, it really makes me uncomfortable," he told Sky Sports.

"He always gives 100%, we’re not saying he’s the greatest, but he’s come up with some big moments for Arsenal in big games, and the way he’s being treated at the end here.

"I know they might want him out and there’s a lot of guys saying it’s time for him to move on, but there’s ways of doing that should suit him as well."

Martinelli has one year left on his current deal, and although Arsenal hold an option to extend it by a further 12 months, exercising that clause now appears unlikely. The winger arrived at the Emirates Stadium in 2019, joining from Brazilian side Ituano in a £6m deal.

Arsenal are also open to offloading Gabriel Jesus, with the Brazil international expected to leave as a free agent at the end of the season if he does not secure a move this summer or in January.