Medical booked for Arsenal player ahead of £56.5m exit

Gabriel Martinelli has now given the green light to a transfer to Al Hilal, with a medical scheduled for this weekend.

Gabriel Martinelli of Arsenal during the pre-season friendly match between Arsenal FC and Como Calcio at Emirates Stadium on August 12, 2026 in London, England. (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images) — Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images

Fabrizio Romano reports that Gabriel Martinelli has said ‘yes’ to a move to Al Hilal, with the transfer now imminent. Martinelli’s approval was one of the final elements for the deal to go ahead, and he’s now given the green light.

Romano claims negotiations between Arsenal and Al Hilal are at the final stages, with only the details to be sorted. Martinelli will then fly to Saudi Arabia.

Gabriel Martinelli of Arsenal takes a penalty in the shoot-out during the during the pre-season friendly match between Arsenal FC and Borussia Dortmund at Emirates Stadium on August 09, 2026 in London, England. (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images) — Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images

James Benge reported for CBS Sports on Thursday that Al Hilal were making the final arrangements for the transfer, including booking a medical for this weekend.

The club are hoping to announce the move over the weekend, in what would be a club-record sale for Arsenal.

Some of that money will go to Ituano through a sell-on clause, but the Gunners are also including a sell-on clause in Martinelli’s deal with Al Hilal, so they could earn more later.

Gabriel Martinelli of Arsenal lifts the Premier League trophy as players of Arsenal celebrate, as they are crowned the Champions of the Premier League for the 2025/26 Season, after the Premier League match between Crystal Palace and Arsenal at Selhurst Park on May 24, 2026 in London, England. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images For Premier League) — Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images For Premier League

Benge had previously reported that the fee would be around €58m (£49.7m) guaranteed, with €8m (£6.9m) in further bonuses.

Martinelli has been a key player for Arsenal over the last seven years, making 278 appearances and scoring 62 goals from his spot on the left wing.

The 25-year-old has won the Premier League, the FA Cup, and the Community Shield, and he extended his contract on a couple of occasions amid intense interest from elsewhere.

But the last couple of weeks have made it clear Mikel Arteta no longer intends to give the winger significant minutes, leaving him out of the matchday squads against Manchester City and Coventry City. It seems he’s now on the verge of a move to the Saudi Pro League.

Gabriel Martinelli of Arsenal celebrates scoring the team's fourth penalty in the penalty shoot out during the UEFA Champions League Final 2026 match between Paris Saint-Germain and Arsenal FC at Puskas Arena on May 30, 2026 — Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images

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