Gabriel Martinelli Nears £40m Move to Al Hilal Amid Arsenal Squad Discontent with Arteta
Gabriel Martinelli is on the verge of a lucrative transfer to Saudi Pro League club Al Hilal, after being told by Mikel Arteta to find a new team. This blunt directive has reportedly stirred unease within the Arsenal squad, with teammates upset over how the Brazilian winger has been treated.
Frozen Out at Arsenal
The winger, who has been with Arsenal since his debut in 2019 and is their longest-serving player, has recently been excluded from matchday squads. His upcoming exit signals a harsh change in direction as Arteta looks to reshape the squad following their Premier League triumph.
Tension Within the Dressing Room
According to reports from ESPN, the manager’s severe handling of Martinelli has not sat well with the team. Players have shown sympathy towards him, especially after he was left out of the Community Shield win against Manchester City, missing out on a winners medal. This exclusion disappointed Martinelli and caused frustration among senior squad members.
New Signings and Squad Changes
The signs were clear when Arsenal signed attacker Christos Tzolis for £34 million this summer and pursued Vinicius Junior, though unsuccessfully. These moves indicated Arteta was aiming to overhaul the left side of the team.
- Martinelli’s Arsenal career: Nearly 300 appearances since 2019.
- Role last season: Important part of Arsenal’s run to the Champions League final and their first league title since 2004.
Saudi Arabia Awaits
After being left out of the Premier League opener against Coventry City, Martinelli’s departure appears inevitable. He declined an approach from Turkish club Galatasaray but accepted a move to Saudi Arabia despite some hesitation initially. The transfer fee is still under negotiation; Arsenal want around £60 million, but the final deal might be closer to £40 million.
Recent Fixtures
- Premier League Fixture: Aston Villa vs Arsenal
- Date and Time: 31 Aug 2026, 21:00
