Arsenal Set to Sell Gabriel Martinelli to Al Hilal for £50M

Arsenal is reportedly close to finalizing the sale of Gabriel Martinelli to Al Hilal for over £50 million. This transfer would surpass the previous record fee of £35 million paid for Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain to Liverpool in 2017.

Internal discussions have been optimistic regarding the completion of the deal. Martinelli, who has one year remaining on his current contract with an option for Arsenal to extend it by another year, was not included in the match-day squad for the Community Shield against Manchester City or the opening Premier League match against Coventry.

His limited participation has intensified speculation about his future, especially as Al Hilal has renewed interest after Galatasaray's earlier attempts. Arsenal's manager, Mikel Arteta, has communicated with Martinelli regarding his exclusion from the squads.

Last season, Martinelli contributed 18 goals, with a notable performance in the Champions League, scoring six goals during the group stages. Arsenal has also made new signings, which may affect Martinelli's role in the team.