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.
Arsenal have engaged in discussions with Saudi Arabian club Al-Hilal regarding the potential sale of winger Gabriel Martinelli, according to recent reports. The Brazilian player is set to become a free agent this summer, and manager Mikel Arteta has communicated to Martinelli that he is not part of their future plans. Earlier in the summer, Turkish side Galatasaray showed interest in the 25-year-old, but it appears Martinelli is not inclined to join the Turkish club, despite Arsenal receiving a £45 million bid for him.
Sources indicate that Al-Hilal has indicated to Arsenal that they are prepared to offer a higher bid than the £45 million figure received from Galatasaray. Martinelli, who joined Arsenal from Brazilian outfit Ituano in 2019, has one year left on his contract at the Emirates Stadium. In addition to pursuing Martinelli, Al-Hilal is also in the process of negotiating a deal for Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins.
Watkins, an England international, did not make an appearance in Aston Villa's opening weekend match against Brighton, with manager Unai Emery declining to confirm whether the forward would remain at Villa Park.
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