Talks ongoing: Arsenal discussing selling star for £60m fee

Al Hilal are reportedly in talks over signing Arsenal forward Gabriel Martinelli, while they’re also in discussions with the player’s camp.

That’s according to David Ornstein of the Athletic, who has posted about the deal on X, insisting that there’s no agreement yet as Arsenal hold out for £60m.

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want in region of £60m & Brazil international open to #AlHilal possibility after turning down Turkey @TheAthleticFC https://t.co/ZNLj46hwvT

— David Ornstein (@David_Ornstein) August 23, 2026

? Al Hilal pursuing deal to sign Gabriel Martinelli from Arsenal. No agreement yet but talks ongoing between clubs + with 25yo winger. #AFC want in region of £60m & Brazil international open to #AlHilal possibility after turning down Turkey @TheAthleticFC https://t.co/ZNLj46hwvT

— David Ornstein (@David_Ornstein) August 23, 2026

“Al Hilal pursuing deal to sign Gabriel Martinelli from Arsenal. No agreement yet but talks ongoing between clubs + with 25yo winger. #AFC want in region of £60m & Brazil international open to #AlHilal possibility after turning down Turkey,” Ornstein said.

Time for Gabriel Martinelli to leave Arsenal

Martinelli has had some fine moments in an Arsenal shirt, but it seems like the time is probably right for the north London giants and the Brazil international to go their separate ways.

Christos Tzolis has shone since joining the Gunners from Club Brugge, though there may well be further attacking signings made to add depth.

It also seems possible that any further signings would need to be funded by sales, so raising £60m from letting Martinelli go would undoubtedly be useful.

Saudi clubs have a lot of money they can offer, so that could be a good way for AFC to get more money from a player whose form has gone downhill in recent times.

The 25-year-old only managed one Premier League goal last season, which is simply not the kind of standard Mikel Arteta’s side can tolerate now as they look to retain their title and go a step further in the Champions League.