Arsenal have received a significant boost in their attempts to sell Gabriel Martinelli, with the Brazilian now giving the green light to a potential move to Al Hilal after previously rejecting the prospect of moving to Saudi Arabia.
The Gunners are reportedly looking for around €69million (£60m) for the 25-year-old, and Al Hilal have now intensified contact over a permanent transfer.
Crucially, Martinelli is no longer standing in the way.
Martinelli changes stance on Saudi Arabia
According to Globo Esporte, Martinelli's representatives have given Al Hilal a positive signal to continue negotiations directly with Arsenal.
That represents a major change from earlier in the transfer window.
Arsenal had been actively trying to find a buyer for the winger, with Galatasaray among the clubs to show interest. Martinelli rejected the Turkish option and was also initially reluctant to consider Saudi Arabia.
Al Hilal's project has now convinced him to reconsider.
The Saudi club can therefore push ahead knowing that Martinelli would be receptive to the move if an agreement can be reached with Arsenal.
£60m Arsenal exit route opens
The development could solve an increasingly difficult situation for Mikel Arteta's side.
Martinelli has been left out of Arsenal's squad for their opening two competitive fixtures, missing both the Super Cup against Manchester City and the Premier League victory over Coventry City.
His future therefore appears increasingly likely to be away from the Emirates Stadium.
Selling Martinelli abroad would also allow Arsenal to collect a substantial fee without strengthening another Premier League club.
Al Hilal currently view the Brazil international as their leading candidate to replace Malcom, who has joined Al Jazira.
They had also approached Bournemouth's Rayan, but after he rejected their advances, attention has shifted firmly towards Martinelli.
Arsenal could now accelerate sale
The timing gives Arsenal some flexibility.
While the European transfer window is approaching its conclusion, Saudi clubs can continue conducting business until September 6.
That provides Al Hilal with additional time to negotiate the structure of a potential £60m deal.
Martinelli's approval does not mean the transfer is completed, but one of the biggest obstacles has now disappeared.
Key Points
- Gabriel Martinelli has given a positive signal to joining Al Hilal.
- Arsenal are reportedly demanding around €69m (£60m).
- The Brazilian previously rejected both Galatasaray and the prospect of Saudi Arabia.
- Al Hilal have made Martinelli their preferred replacement for Malcom.
What’s Next?
Al Hilal are expected to step up negotiations directly with Arsenal over the coming days. With Martinelli now open to the move and Arsenal willing to sell, the focus turns to whether the Saudi club will meet the Gunners' £60m valuation.
Should Arsenal accept £60m for Martinelli and reinvest before the deadline, or would selling him be a mistake?
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