Arsenal winger Gabriel Martinelli is nearing a £55 million transfer to Saudi Arabian club Al-Hilal, according to reports. Al-Hilal is also reportedly pursuing Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins as part of a potential double swoop from the Premier League.
While personal terms are still to be finalized, discussions between Martinelli and Al-Hilal are understood to be progressing. Earlier this month, Turkish club Galatasaray made a bid of £38.5 million for Martinelli, but the 25-year-old player reportedly was not interested in a move to Istanbul.
Martinelli joined Arsenal from Brazilian side Ituano for £6 million in 2019. He has 12 months remaining on his current Arsenal contract, and Ituano is entitled to a sell-on percentage of the profit from any transfer.
Last season, Martinelli made 53 appearances across all competitions, scoring 11 goals, as Arsenal secured the Premier League title. However, he was not included in the squad for Arsenal's league opener against Coventry on Friday.
In separate transfer news, Arsenal remains in contact with Atletico Madrid regarding Julian Alvarez. However, Alvarez is reportedly intent on joining Barcelona. With Atletico Madrid reluctant to sell to Barcelona, Arsenal is awaiting indications from the player's camp about his potential interest in moving to the North London club.