Club-record sale agreed - Why Arsenal are right to sell Gabriel Martinelli to Al-Hilal

The fact that Arsenal's club-record sale still remains Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain's €38 million move to Liverpool back in 2017 is as baffling as it is ridiculous. The club have been exemplary in so many ways over the past five years as the Gunners have risen back to the top - culminating in winning last season's Premier League title. Inbound recruitment has been very good and the club is very well run. But when it comes to player sales - they still lag well behind. That's something that must improve, and despite the club making record-breaking revenue and having money to spend, there still may have to be a major sale to balance the books this summer.

There had been rumours of potential sales for home-grown talents Myles Lewis-Skelly and Ethan Nwaneri, but it's winger Gabriel Martinelli that now looks set to leave the Emirates. The Brazilian had been linked with a move to Galatasaray - which the player was not interested in - but he is closing in a switch to Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal. They have now reportedly agreed a deal for €65m, which is nearly double the Gunners' record sale. Personal terms are also thought to be close to being agreed. Football is ruthless and Arsenal should be looking to cash-in on this summer on Martinelli. Here's why.

Why Arsenal are right to sell Gabriel Martinelli this summer

It's first worth mentioning that Martinelli has been an outstanding servant for Arsenal football club. He has put in numerous tireless shifts for Mikel Arteta's team and his attitude has always been exemplary. Nevertheless, with the elite standard the team has now reached, he is simply not good enough to be regularly starting. Especially, when Arsenal are trying to break down low blocks - which is often the case. Martinelli needs space in behind to show his best work and is a very useful substitute in certain situations.

However, as mentioned, Arsenal need to make a sale, and being a useful sub in specific scenarios is not enough for the Brazilian. He has a current market value of €45m, but given the inflated market we have already witnessed this summer, the Gunners were clearly looking for a fee significantly north of that figure. Turkish giants Galatasaray had previously sent a €45m bid, but Al-Hilal were willing to pay a higher sum. He is under contract until 2027, with the club holding an option to extend until 2028.

Last season, Martinelli scored just one Premier League goal, and his numbers have been disappointing ever since his real breakthrough campaign in the 2022/23 season, in which he scored 15 times in the league. Arsenal's front three is not at the standard of their midfield and defence. For some time, left-wing has been the point of weakness in their best XI. Greek winger Christos Tzolis has already arrived at the club for €40m from Club Brugge, but Arsenal would like to also bring in another superstar left-winger this summer. They were previously linked to Vinicius Junior before he signed a new contract at Real Madrid, and remain interested in the likes of Bradley Barcola and Kenan Yildiz.

A Martinelli sale therefore becomes the natural fit. Having got over the line last season to finally win the Premier League again for the first time in 22 years, there is a feeling that Arsenal will have to be better going forward to maintain their place at football's top table. They will need to evolve. From a defensive standpoint, Martinelli is one of the best wingers in the world, but the Gunners need to start thinking more about attacking quality in these positions. Martinelli may need to become a victim of that evolution.