Arsenal have entered into discussions with Saudi Arabian side Al-Hilal over the potential sale of winger Gabriel Martinelli, according to BBC Sport.

The Brazilian attacker has been told by manager Mikel Arteta that he has no place in his plans for the coming season, making him available for transfer this summer. Martinelli joined Arsenal from Brazilian club Ituano back in 2019 and has one year remaining on his current deal at Emirates Stadium.

Galatasaray interest rejected

Turkish giants Galatasaray were the first club to make a move for Martinelli this summer, submitting a bid of €45 million (£38.54 million). The winger, however, was unwilling to consider a move to Istanbul, and the offer went nowhere.

Al-Hilal have since signalled to Arsenal that they are prepared to exceed Galatasaray's offer — a development that has opened a fresh avenue for negotiations between the two clubs.

A season to remember, then the exit door

Martinelli made 53 appearances across all competitions last season, contributing 11 goals as Arsenal clinched the Premier League title. Despite that campaign, he was absent from the matchday squad for the Gunners' league opener — a 3-0 win over Coventry — raising eyebrows across the footballing world.

Former Arsenal striker Ian Wright did not hold back in his criticism of Arteta's handling of the situation.