It’s been a whirlwind summer at the Emirates. And just when you thought Arsenal’s transfer window couldn’t get any busier, Saudi Pro League heavyweights Al-Hilal have thrown their hat into the ring for Gabriel Martinelli.
Saudi-based journalist Muta Al reported on August 4 that Martinelli is among the options Al-Hilal are considering for their left-wing position. Arsenal correspondent Eduardo Hagn has since echoed the news, making it clear this isn’t mere social media noise.
But what does this actually mean for the Brazilian winger — and for Arsenal’s broader plans?
A Winger Whose Role Has Quietly Shrunk
Let’s be honest. Martinelli’s 2025-26 season was underwhelming by his own standards.
He managed just one Premier League goal and four assists across 30 league appearances. That’s a steep drop from the player who hit 15 goals during Arsenal’s breakout 2022-23 campaign. His average FotMob rating of 6.53 tells the story of a player often on the periphery rather than at the centre of Arsenal’s attacking play.
He still featured prominently in the Champions League, where he bagged six goals in nine appearances. Yet in the league — where consistency matters most — Martinelli struggled to hold down a regular starting spot.
He’s 25 now. Still has pace, pressing intensity, and that raw directness that once made him one of the most exciting young wingers in England. But Arsenal’s attacking ambitions have grown faster than his output.
Arsenal’s Left-Wing Rebuild Is Already in Motion
Here’s where the Al-Hilal interest fits into a much bigger picture.
Arsenal aren’t standing still. They’ve already:
- Sold Leandro Trossard to Besiktas for £17 million
- Signed Christos Tzolis from Club Brugge for £34 million on a five-year deal
- Agreed a £75 million transfer for Bruno Guimaraes from Newcastle
- Entered advanced talks over a move for Real Madrid’s Vinicius Junior
Tzolis has already made an impression, scoring on his debut in the 4-1 preseason win over Girona. He fills the Trossard-shaped hole in the squad and brings similar two-footed versatility across the front line.
But it’s the Vinicius Junior pursuit that really changes things for Martinelli. Reports from TEAMtalk indicate that Arsenal have agreed personal terms with the Brazilian star, though Vinicius himself still prefers to stay at the Bernabeu. Real Madrid have reportedly told his camp that their latest renewal offer is final — sign, or be sold.
If Vinicius arrives at the Emirates, where exactly does Martinelli fit? That’s the question nobody at Arsenal seems eager to answer publicly.
So, Will Martinelli Actually Leave?
It’s complicated. Multiple outlets have reported that Arsenal are open to selling Martinelli this summer. Italian outlet Calciomercato pegged the asking price at around £38 million — a hefty return on the £6 million Arsenal paid Ituano back in 2019.
BBC Sport offered a more nuanced take, reporting that Martinelli is happy at the club and would only leave for the right opportunity. Football365 reported just days ago that the winger would “ideally like to go” in the next phase of deals before the window closes.
Then there’s the contract situation. Martinelli’s deal runs until June 2027, meaning Arsenal still hold leverage. But that leverage shrinks with every passing window.
Al-Hilal haven’t submitted an official bid yet. This looks more like early-stage interest — testing the waters to see if a deal is even possible. The Saudi club certainly have the financial muscle. They’ve been one of the most aggressive buyers in world football over the past three years.
Could the lure of a massive Saudi payday tempt Martinelli? Maybe. But at 25, most players would prefer to stay in European football if they can. Bayern Munich, Atletico Madrid, Barcelona, and even Manchester United have all been linked at various points this summer.
For now, the Al-Hilal interest adds pressure rather than urgency. It reminds everyone — Arsenal included — that Martinelli’s situation can’t drift indefinitely.
If Vinicius Junior walks through the Emirates doors, expect this story to accelerate quickly.
