Arsenal and Al‑Hilal in advanced talks over Martinelli

Martinelli, 25, joined Arsenal from Brazilian side Ituano in 2019 and has 12 months remaining on his contract at the Emirates Stadium. He made 53 appearances across all competitions last season, scoring 11 goals as the Gunners won the Premier League title. Despite that contribution, he was left out of the squad for Arsenal’s league opener against Coventry City, a 3‑0 win, and had also been omitted from the Community Shield matchday squad.

Reported fee: why figures vary

The headline “£40m” reflects one end of a range of reported valuations. BBC Sport’s senior football correspondent Sami Mokbel has reported that Arsenal are in advanced talks with Al‑Hilal over a sale for at least £50m. Other coverage, including a Goal summary citing ESPN, suggests the final agreed figure could be closer to £40m, while noting that Arsenal are seeking a package around £60m. Turkish club Galatasaray previously submitted a €45m (£38.54m) bid that Martinelli did not want to pursue, and Al‑Hilal have indicated willingness to bid higher than that offer.

Wage terms are also part of the picture. Reports indicate Al‑Hilal are prepared to offer Martinelli a salary package significantly above his reported £180,000‑per‑week deal at Arsenal, which helps explain why a move to Saudi Arabia is now being seriously considered after he rejected Istanbul.

Dressing‑room reaction and the “unhappy” claim

The claim that Arsenal’s squad is “unhappy” with Arteta stems from media reports describing discomfort and sympathy among teammates over Martinelli’s treatment. ESPN is cited as saying Arteta’s approach has caused “some discomfort” in the dressing room, with several players feeling sympathetic toward the winger. The same reporting notes that Martinelli’s exclusion from the Community Shield squad meaning he did not receive a winners’ medal, left him “greatly disappointed,” and that senior squad members were also unhappy with his outright omission.

Former Arsenal striker Ian Wright has been the most prominent public voice on the issue. Speaking to Sky Sports, Wright said: “The way Martinelli is being treated at the moment, it really makes me feel uncomfortable… He has done enough with this squad to be treated with a little bit more respect than he is being treated with at the moment.” Arsenal deny that Martinelli is being “frozen out,” attributing his absence to squad depth and pointing to new signing Christos Tzolis, who impressed on the left wing against Coventry. BBC Sport adds that Arteta has explained his position and reasons directly to Martinelli.

Context: Arteta’s ruthlessness and squad reshaping

The situation fits a broader pattern of Arteta making hard‑nosed decisions to reshape the squad after winning the league. Earlier this summer Arsenal completed a £34m deal for attacker Christos Tzolis, and there was an audacious, ultimately unsuccessful, pursuit of Real Madrid’s Vinicius Junior, signaling intent to refresh the left flank. Martinelli, the club’s longest‑serving outfield player, has made nearly 300 appearances for Arsenal since his 2019 debut, contributing to a campaign that included a Champions League final run and the club’s first top‑flight crown since 2004.

What remains uncertain

• Final fee: Reports range from around £40m to £50m+ and up to a £60m asking price, with negotiations ongoing.

• Deal status: Talks are described as “advanced” and “close,” but no official confirmation of terms or completion has been issued.

• Extent of squad unrest: Media accounts describe discomfort and sympathy, not an open revolt; Arsenal’s public line is that Martinelli’s omission is a football decision, not a punitive one.

In short, the core of the story is well supported: Arteta has told Martinelli he is not in his plans; Arsenal and Al‑Hilal are in advanced talks; and some teammates and former players have expressed unease about how the situation has been handled. The specific “£40m” figure is plausible but not definitive, and the “unhappy squad” narrative reflects reported sentiment rather than an official club stance.