Al-Hilal hold talks with Arsenal over Martinelli

Al-Hilal have engaged in discussions with Arsenal regarding a possible transfer for winger Gabriel Martinelli, with the Saudi Arabian club ready to surpass Galatasaray's £38.54 million bid. Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has informed Martinelli that the player is free to leave the club this summer, as he is no longer part of the manager's plans.

Galatasaray showed interest in the 24-year-old Brazilian earlier in the summer, submitting a €45 million (£38.54 million) offer for the forward. However, Martinelli was not open to the move to Istanbul. According to BBC Sport, Al-Hilal has now entered the race and has communicated to Arsenal that they are willing to offer a higher price than the Turkish club's proposal.

Martinelli joined Arsenal from Brazilian side Ituano in 2019 and has one year left on his contract at the Emirates Stadium. The winger scored 11 goals in 53 appearances last season as Arsenal won the Premier League title. Former Arsenal striker Ian Wright has criticized the club's handling of Martinelli's situation, expressing discomfort with the way the forward has been treated.

Arteta has reportedly explained his decision to Martinelli and made his position on the player's future clear. Al-Hilal's interest in Martinelli follows their pursuit of Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins, who was not selected for Villa's opening match against Brighton.