Arsenal to break 9 year transfer record as Martinelli agrees Al-Hilal move

Arsenal forward Gabriel Martinelli is on the verge of a sensational switch to Saudi giants Al-Hilal, in a blockbuster deal that would shatter the North London club's all-time transfer sale record.

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Final stages of a historic deal

According to transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano, negotiations between the two clubs have reached their final stages.

The proposed transfer fee is expected to fall between £50 million and £55 million.

Arsenal’s hierarchy is reportedly ready to green light the sale, shifting the focus entirely to Martinelli. The Brazilian international now holds the final decision over his future as his representatives continue to discuss personal terms with the Riyadh-based club.

Should the deal cross the finish line, it will rewrite Arsenal's financial history books.

For nearly a decade, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain has held the title of the club's most expensive sale following his £35 million move to Liverpool in 2017.

Martinelli’s departure at the currently discussed valuation would obliterate that record by a significant margin.

Frozen out in North London, wanted in Riyadh

Speculation surrounding Martinelli's future intensified after he was noticeably absent from Mikel Arteta’s plans at the start of the current campaign.

The winger was entirely excluded from the matchday squads for both the FA Community Shield against Manchester City and Arsenal’s Premier League opener against Coventry City.

Conversely, Al-Hilal views the Brazilian as a vital piece of their tactical puzzle. Head coach Simone Inzaghi has specifically requested a high calibre winger to compensate for the departure of Malcom, identifying Martinelli's blistering pace and directness as the perfect attributes for his system.

Khaled Hegazy |

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Journaliste sportif spécialisé dans la couverture du football et la création de contenu numérique, alliant expérience éditoriale et expertise des médias sociaux.

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