Al Hilal makes official move for Arsenal's Gabriel Martinelli

Saudi Pro League side Al Hilal has begun official moves to sign Brazilian winger Gabriel Martinelli, holding direct talks with English club Arsenal to explore a possible transfer during the current window.

Italian transfer expert Fabrizio Romano reported on X that Al Hilal has officially contacted Arsenal regarding Martinelli as part of efforts to strengthen its attacking options.

According to Romano, Martinelli tops Al Hilal’s shortlist of attacking targets, ahead of Portugal’s Pedro Neto and Francisco Conceição. The Brazilian is reportedly open to a move to the Saudi club.

Romano previously revealed that Martinelli is one of three players on Al Hilal’s shortlist, alongside Pedro Neto and another winger whose name had not been revealed at the time.

Al Hilal continues to weigh several attacking options available in the transfer market to determine which player will be prioritized for the squad’s reinforcement.

Romano added that Al Hilal is prepared to make a "very substantial" offer if Martinelli is chosen as the club’s top attacking target.

The club is now awaiting developments regarding Martinelli and Arsenal’s position, as it continues to evaluate all options to bolster its forward line.