Arsenal have held talks with Saudi Arabian club Al-Hilal over the sale of winger Gabriel Martinelli. The Brazil international is free to leave the club this summer, with manager Mikel Arteta making it clear to the attacker that he is not in his plans. Turkish club Galatasaray showed interest in Martinelli earlier this summer but the Brazilian would not consider a move to Istanbul, despite Arsenal receiving a £45m bid.
It is understood Al-Hilal have communicated to Arsenal that they are willing to bid higher than Galatasaray's offer. Martinelli, who joined Arsenal from Brazilian side Ituano in 2019, has 12 months remaining on his deal at the Emirates Stadium. Al-Hilal's interest in Martinelli runs alongside a move for Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins.
The England international did not feature in Aston Villa's opening weekend defeat by Brighton on Sunday, with manager Unai Emery refusing to guarantee the forward would stay at Villa Park.
Extract — continue reading at the source.
