Arsenal in talks over €70m deal - David Ornstein

Updated: 23 Aug 2026 15:12 BST | 3 min read

Matthew Judge | Editor

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Arsenal are in talks with Al Hilal over a deal to sell Gabriel Martinelli to the Saudi Pro League side, according to The Athletic’s David Ornstein.

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Ornstein understands the Gunners have placed a €70million (£60m) valuation on Martinelli, who is open to moving to the Middle East.

The 25-year-old turned down a move to Galatasaray earlier this summer after Arsenal received a €45m (£38.4m) bid from the Turkish giants.

Brazil winger Martinelli has just one year left on his Arsenal contract, though the club hold an option to extend by a further 12 months.

Arsenal keen to strengthen forward line this summer

Martinelli has been linked with a move away as Arsenal continue their push to strengthen their attack before the transfer window closes next month.

The Premier League champions have pursued deals for Real Madrid’s Vinicius Junior and Atletico Madrid’s Julian Alvarez this summer.

© IMAGO - Vinicius Junior (left) and Julian Alvarez (right)

Mikel Arteta’s men have also been credited with an interest in Juventus star Kenan Yildiz and Galatasaray forward Victor Osimhen.

Arsenal also pulled out of the race to sign Morgan Rogers before he completed his €137m (£117m) move to Chelsea in July.

The north London club have already made one addition to their frontline this summer, signing Christos Tzolis from Club Brugge for €40m (£35m).

And Tzolis has made the perfect start to his Arsenal career, producing impressive displays in the wins over Manchester City and Coventry City in the Community Shield and Premier League respectively.

Martinelli has been a shrewd signing for Arsenal

Martinelli joined Arsenal from Brazilian side Ituano FC in July 2019 and has registered 62 goals and 36 assists in 278 games in England.

He played a key role in Arteta’s side reaching the Champions League final last season, scoring six goals in 14 games in Europe's premier club competition.

Martinelli was not included in the Arsenal squad for the victories over Man City and newly-promoted Coventry, amid speculation over his future.

Al Hilal have been linked with a host of attackers in the transfer window, including Aston Villa forward Ollie Watkins and Everton winger Iliman Ndiaye.

Simone Inzaghi’s side have already signed Crysencio Summerville from West Ham United in a €64m (£55m) deal this summer.