Arsenal have opened talks with Saudi Arabian club Al-Hilal over a potential transfer of Brazilian winger Gabriel Martinelli.
Martinelli has been made available for transfer this summer after manager Mikel Arteta informed the forward that he is not part of his plans for the new season.
Turkish side Galatasaray had earlier expressed interest in the 24-year-old and submitted a €45 million (£38.54 million) offer, but Martinelli was reportedly unwilling to move to Istanbul.
Al-Hilal have now indicated their willingness to offer more than Galatasaray’s bid as they pursue the Brazil international.
Martinelli joined Arsenal from Brazilian club Ituano in 2019 and has one year remaining on his contract at the Emirates Stadium.
He made 53 appearances across all competitions last season, scoring 11 goals as Arsenal secured the Premier League title.
However, the winger was omitted from Arsenal’s squad for their opening league fixture against Coventry on Friday, which the Gunners won 3-0.
Former Arsenal striker Ian Wright has criticised the club’s handling of Martinelli and Arteta’s decision to leave him out of the squad.
“The way Martinelli is being treated at the moment, it really makes me feel uncomfortable,” Wright told Sky Sports.
He acknowledged that Arsenal may want to sell the player but argued that the club should also consider Martinelli’s preferences in determining his next move.
Meanwhile, Arteta has reportedly explained to Martinelli why he was excluded from the squad and made his position on the player’s future clear.
Al-Hilal’s pursuit of Martinelli comes as the Saudi club also explores a move for Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins.
Watkins was left out of Aston Villa’s opening-weekend defeat by Brighton, with manager Unai Emery declining to guarantee that the England international would remain at Villa Park.
