Martinelletto Nears Al-Hilal

Brazilian winger Gabriel Martinelli of English club Arsenal is close to joining Al Hilal, having entered the final stages of negotiations over his personal terms, paving the way for a deal valued at approximately 58 million euros.

According to the British newspaper The Times, Martinelli received an offer from Al Hilal that includes an annual salary exceeding 14 million euros, although some details regarding his personal terms still need to be agreed upon before the transfer is finalized.

Martinelli, 25, would join Dutch international Kerem Demirbay, who moved to Al Hilal from West Ham United last month for around 64 million euros, despite both players occupying the left-wing position.

Concurrently with negotiations to sign Martinelli, Al Hilal continues to work on finalizing the acquisition of English striker Ollie Watkins from Aston Villa, a deal estimated at around 46 million euros.

Martinelli still needs to agree on certain details of his personal terms before the deal is closed, although his move to the Saudi club is now considered imminent.

The Brazilian winger has made 278 appearances for Arsenal, scoring 62 goals and providing 36 assists. He also has 27 caps for the Brazilian national team and has previously participated in the World Cup finals.

Martinelli has been absent from Arsenal’s squads for the two matches the team has played so far this season, amid rapid developments concerning his future and the possibility of a transfer to Al Hilal.

Arsenal signed Martinelli from Brazilian club Ituano in 2019 for approximately 7 million euros.

Arsenal will also be required to pay a share of the sale proceeds to his former club, believed to be around 15 percent, which will grant Ituano a portion of the difference between the transfer fee paid to sign him in 2019 and the anticipated deal with Al Hilal.

These developments place Martinelli on the verge of leaving Arsenal after seven years with the London club, as Al Hilal works to finalize the last details with the player to complete one of its most prominent transfers in the current window.