Al Hilal close in on Arsenal winger Gabriel Martinelli but Riyadh trip denied

Al Hilal are reported to have reached an agreement with Arsenal over the transfer of Gabriel Martinelli, although the Brazilian winger will not travel to Riyadh today, according to transfer reports.

French outlet Foot Mercato said the Saudi Pro League club had made significant progress in its attempt to sign the Arsenal player during the current summer transfer window.

“According to our information, the Saudi club has reached an agreement with Arsenal for the transfer of Gabriel Martinelli,” the report said.

If completed, the move would add Martinelli to an increasingly prominent attacking group at Al Hilal. The club have already strengthened their forward line with the signing of Crysencio Summerville from West Ham, while they are also reportedly considering a deal for Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins.

However, Fabrizio Romano said negotiations over Martinelli were still continuing and played down suggestions that the player was travelling to Saudi Arabia on the same day.

“Al Hilal remain in advanced talks for Gabriel Martinelli with hope of breakthrough soon; but he’s not travelling to Riyadh today,” Romano wrote on X.

Reports claiming that Martinelli was flying to Saudi Arabia were described as false by sources at the club, Romano added. Despite that denial, discussions with the player’s representatives remain active and Al Hilal are confident of completing the deal.

“Reports of Martinelli flying to Saudi called false by club sources but negotiations continue with player’s camp. Al Hilal, confident,” he said.

The differing updates indicate that the proposed transfer has moved into an advanced stage, but has not yet been completed. While Foot Mercato reported an agreement between Al Hilal and Arsenal, Romano’s update suggested that negotiations with Martinelli’s camp were still an important part of the process.

Martinelli joined Arsenal from Ituano in 2019 and has established himself as one of the club’s attacking options. His potential departure would represent a significant move in the Saudi club’s efforts to build a stronger squad during the summer window.

Al Hilal’s interest comes as the club continue to assemble an attack featuring players recruited from the Premier League. Summerville has arrived from West Ham, and Watkins has been mentioned as another possible addition alongside the ongoing pursuit of Martinelli.

For now, Martinelli remains in the centre of negotiations rather than in Riyadh. Al Hilal are continuing talks with his representatives and remain hopeful that an agreement can be finalised soon.