Arsenal have entered negotiations with Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal regarding a potential transfer for Brazilian forward Gabriel Martinelli after the player was informed he can seek a move elsewhere.
Manager Mikel Arteta has reportedly told the 25-year-old that he is no longer in his future plans, according to BBC Sport, leaving the winger in an uncertain position as he enters the final year of his deal.
Al-Hilal have made the Brazil international a priority target and are prepared to exceed a prior offer from Galatasaray. The Turkish club had submitted a €45m bid, which Martinelli turned down.
Arsenal are seeking a fee around €70m before agreeing to sell the forward, who has played a prominent role for the team in recent years.
Martinelli signed for Arsenal from Brazilian outfit Ituano in 2019 and established himself in the senior squad. However, his current situation has drawn criticism from former Gunners striker Ian Wright.
Wright questioned how the club is managing the forward’s potential exit, raising concerns about his omission from the team.
“The way Martinelli is being treated at the moment, it really makes me feel uncomfortable,” Wright told Sky Sports.
“I know they might want him out, and a lot of people might say, ‘yeah, it’s time for him to move him on. But there’s ways of doing that and it should suit him as well, how he wants to leave,” Wright added.
Martinelli was omitted from the matchday squad during Arsenal’s 3-0 Premier League opening victory against Coventry on Friday, despite contributing to the club’s title-winning campaign last season.