Al-Hilal begins transfer negotiations for Gabriel Martinelli

According to media reports, Saudi Arabian powerhouse Al-Hilal has officially begun contact and negotiations with Arsenal regarding the transfer of Brazilian winger Gabriel Martinelli.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has made it clear to Martinelli that he is not in the team's new season building plans and that Martinelli will be allowed to look for a new club this summer.

The 25-year-old Brazilian international has only one year left on his contract and was not included in Arsenal's squad for their Premier League opener against Coventry City last Friday. Galatasaray of the Turkish Super League had previously offered €45 million, but the player himself has no intention of moving to Turkey; meanwhile, Al-Hilal has informed the Gunners that they are willing to offer a more competitive transfer fee.

Last season, Martinelli made 53 appearances for Arsenal in all competitions, scoring 11 goals and helping the team lift the Premier League title. Regarding the current situation, club legend Ian Wright publicly expressed his dissatisfaction with the club's handling of the situation, believing that the team should have acted more gracefully and respected the player's wishes and feelings when letting go of a star player.

Meanwhile, Al-Hilal is active on multiple fronts in the transfer market, simultaneously pursuing the signing of Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins. The England international also missed Aston Villa's first league match, and manager Unai Emery has not given a clear commitment to keep him at the club. If negotiations proceed smoothly, Al-Hilal could further bolster their attacking prowess before the summer transfer window closes.

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