Arsenal are set to receive a club-record transfer fee after reaching an agreement to sell Gabriel Martinelli to Saudi Arabian giants Al-Hilal. The Brazilian winger received interest from a host of teams after dropping down the pecking order under Mikel Arteta, despite Leandro Trossard also leaving this summer.
Martinelli is now set to follow the Belgian out the door and end his seven-year association with the club, according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano. The deal is worth in excess of £55.7million, marking Arsenal's record sale as it eclipses the £35m they received for Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain from Liverpool in 2017.
Martinelli's Al-Hilal Move Nears Completion
The Brazil international has been granted permission to travel to Saudi Arabia and complete a medical ahead of putting pen to paper on a long-term deal. Should the transfer proceed as expected, Martinelli could make his Al-Hilal debut when they visit Al-Shabab in the Saudi Pro League on Friday.
Martinelli is set to follow Ollie Watkins through the doors at Al-Hilal after the Aston Villa forward agreed to join the Saudi outfit in a £45m deal. The pair are expected to bolster Al-Hilal's attacking options following Crysencio Summerville's arrival from West Ham earlier in the summer.
Arteta Addresses Martinelli's Situation
A move for Martinelli had been on the cards throughout the summer, with the Brazilian omitted from the squad for the Community Shield clash against Manchester City and the Premier League curtain-raiser against Coventry City as speculation mounted. His final appearance for the Gunners came against Como earlier this month.
Arteta addressed Martinelli's situation at his pre-Aston Villa press conference on Thursday. "Everybody knows and recognised how much we love Gabi and whatever the outcome is, it is because everyone agrees to that," he 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."
More Exits Expected
Arsenal are also set to announce the exits of Gabriel Jesus and Fabio Vieira, who are poised to complete moves to Barcelona and Hamburg respectively in the coming days. The Gunners turn their attention to Monday's Premier League trip to Villa Park, eager to back up their opening day victory over Coventry with a second consecutive win.
