Arsenal are on the verge of securing their highest ever transfer fee as Gabriel Martinelli prepares to finalise a record-breaking £55 million switch to Saudi Arabian club Al-Hilal.
Mikel Arteta has acknowledged the ongoing situation as the Gunners prepare to bid farewell to a key figure from their recent title-challenging campaign before the transfer deadline.
Martinelli is preparing to fly to the Middle East in the coming days to complete a medical ahead of a proposed transfer to Al-Hilal.
According to a report by The Mirror, the Saudi Pro League side have reached an agreement with Arsenal for a fee in the region of £55m (€65m).
If the deal is finalised before Tuesday’s deadline, Arsenal will surpass some of their most significant sales, including the £35m fee received for Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain in 2017.
Martinelli joined Arsenal from Ituano in 2019, scored crucial goals and made over 170 appearances, helping the club mount a serious challenge for the Premier League title last season.
Arteta addresses impending Emirates departures
Arteta addressed the media regarding the future of Martinelli during his pre-match press conference.
When asked about the prospect of the forward leaving the club, Arteta stated: “That’s another personal situation that we’re dealing with.
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“I think everybody knows and recognises how much we love Gabi. Whatever the outcome is, it will be because everybody agrees to that.”
Arteta also responded to questions regarding conversations he has held with departing players, explaining: “Yes, for sure. Those conversations go both ways, but I’m very satisfied with how these conversations went because I know what is in each other’s hearts, and the words that come through in those conversations make me really happy.
“But it’s inevitable at some point you need to have certain discussions and say certain things that sometimes are tough.”
