Al-Hilal Finalizes Transfer for Gabriel Martinelli from Arsenal
Al-Hilal, a club in the Saudi Pro League, is finalizing the transfer of winger Gabriel Martinelli from Arsenal, with a medical appointment arranged for this weekend. The deal is expected to secure Arsenal a record fee of $67.5 million, plus an additional $9.3 million in performance-related add-ons.
The announcement of the transfer is anticipated over the weekend, with Martinelli reportedly set to sign a contract worth over $23 million annually. This sale surpasses Arsenal's previous record of £35 million received for Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain three years ago, although the club will not retain the full amount due to a sell-on clause agreed upon with Ituano when they acquired Martinelli for £6 million in 2019.
Despite training with his teammates on Friday, Martinelli's future at Arsenal appears uncertain. Manager Mikel Arteta acknowledged that Martinelli's role would be reduced in the upcoming season, as he was not included in the squad for the Community Shield or the Premier League opener. Arteta also mentioned that discussions regarding player roles are ongoing, particularly concerning Gabriel Jesus, who has been sidelined from training due to squad numbers.
