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Al-Hilal open talks to sign Arsenal winger Martinelli

Saudi Arabian club Al-Hilal open negotiations with Arsenal over a move for Brazil forward Gabriel Martinelli.

Al-Hilal open talks to sign Arsenal winger Martinelli

Arsenal have engaged in preliminary discussions with Saudi Arabian club Al-Hilal regarding the potential sale of winger Gabriel Martinelli. The Brazilian attacker is available to leave the Gunners this summer, as manager Mikel Arteta has made it known that he is not part of Arteta's plans. Earlier this summer, Turkish club Galatasaray expressed interest in signing Martinelli; however, the Brazilian player expressed no interest in a move to Istanbul, despite receiving a £45m bid from Arsenal.

It is believed that Al-Hilal has informed Arsenal that they are prepared to offer a higher price than Galatasaray's bid. Martinelli, who joined Arsenal from Brazilian club Ituano in 2019, has one year left on his contract at the Emirates Stadium. Al-Hilal's pursuit of Martinelli coincides with their interest in Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins, who did not play in Aston Villa's opening match loss to Brighton on Sunday. Aston Villa manager Unai Emery has not committed to keeping Watkins at the club.

Written by urgent.news from BBC Sport's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.

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