Arsenal dressing-room unrest grows over Martinelli's Al-Hilal move

Gabriel Martinelli’s proposed move from Arsenal to Al-Hilal has reportedly created unrest in the dressing room, with several players unhappy about the treatment of the Brazilian winger. The Saudi Pro League club is negotiating a fee of about £60 million for the 2019 arrival.

Martinelli has been left out of Arsenal’s recent matchday squads, despite being one of the club’s longest-serving players. His omission from the Community Shield victory over Manchester City meant he did not receive a winner’s medal, a decision that reportedly left him deeply disappointed and upset some senior teammates.

The winger was then absent from Arsenal’s squad for their Premier League opener against Coventry City. Those omissions have strengthened the expectation that his time in north London is ending, while manager Mikel Arteta’s firm approach is said to have caused discomfort among members of the squad.

Martinelli has approved the move to Al-Hilal after initially having reservations about a transfer to Saudi Arabia. He had rejected interest from Galatasaray, who were prepared to pay about £45 million, while Al-Hilal’s proposal has moved ahead of alternatives involving Pedro Neto and Francisco Conceição.

A completed deal worth around £60 million would make Martinelli Arsenal’s record player sale. The previous club highs were Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain’s £35 million transfer to Liverpool in 2017 and Nicolas Anelka’s €35 million move to Real Madrid in 2000.

Martinelli has made nearly 300 appearances for Arsenal since his debut in 2019. Although his role was reduced last season, he remained part of the squad that won the club’s first league title since 2004 and reached the Champions League final.