Gabriel Martinelli Transfer: Al-Nassr Ready With £73m Bid

Gabriel Martinelli transfer chatter has intensified as Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr reportedly prepare a £73 million offer aimed at luring the electrifying Arsenal winger to Saudi Arabia this summer.

Why the Gabriel Martinelli transfer is now Al-Nassr’s top priority

After weeks of exploring high-profile options for their left flank, Al-Nassr appear to have fixed their gaze on Martinelli. The Saudi Pro League runners-up were initially desperate to snatch Luis Díaz from Liverpool, yet Anfield’s firm stance forced sporting director Goran Vucević to pivot. Gabriel Martinelli transfer talks immediately advanced, with sources in Riyadh claiming the Brazilian’s age profile, elite Premier League pedigree and relentless pressing style perfectly match head coach Luís Castro’s attacking blueprint.

The financial package on the table

Al-Nassr are reportedly willing to part with €85 million (£73 million) up front, eclipsing the £50 million Arsenal paid for ex-striker Gabriel Jesus. A four-year contract worth around £17 million per season—quadruple the 22-year-old’s current wage packet—has been mooted. In addition, the Riyadh giants would offer lucrative image-rights bonuses designed to leverage Martinelli’s commercial pull across Brazil and the Middle East.

Arsenal’s stance and squad implications

Mikel Arteta remains publicly adamant that the winger is “non-negotiable,” yet behind the scenes the Gunners must juggle UEFA’s increasingly strict financial sustainability rules. Arsenal have already committed sizeable funds to re-sign William Saliba, Bukayo Saka and Martin Ødegaard, while plans to strengthen midfield and defence continue. Should the Gabriel Martinelli transfer deliver an unexpected £73 million windfall, Edu Gaspar could accelerate pursuits of a new striker—Victor Osimhen is the long-term dream—and a versatile full-back.

What Martinelli would bring to Al-Nassr

Statistically, the Brazilian logged 25 direct goal contributions across all competitions in 2022-23, underlining why Al-Nassr believe he can fire them past rivals Al-Hilal domestically and deep into the AFC Champions League. Crucially, Martinelli’s defensive work rate—he made more high-intensity recoveries than any Arsenal forward last season—mirrors the intense European style Luís Castro is determined to import.

Cristiano Ronaldo’s influence

Those close to the deal insist Cristiano Ronaldo is actively involved. The Portuguese icon maintains a warm relationship with Martinelli’s agent, Elyseu Trentine, and has personally highlighted the winger’s “European mentality” to Al-Nassr’s board. Insiders add that Ronaldo’s successful adaptation to life in Riyadh is being used as the blueprint in presentations to the player’s camp. A strike partnership of Ronaldo, Sadio Mané, Anderson Talisca and Martinelli would undeniably elevate the league’s global appeal.

How the Saudi project compares to Arsenal’s ambitions

While Arsenal are gearing up for a Champions League return and another Premier League title assault, Al-Nassr are offering instant financial reward and the chance to become the face of Saudi football’s next phase. The Gabriel Martinelli transfer would echo recent coups for Neymar, Karim Benzema and Riyad Mahrez, cementing the SPL as a destination for stars at, or approaching, their peak.

The domino effect: Duran out, Martinelli in

The move is further fuelled by the imminent loan of Colombian star Jhon Duran to Fenerbahçe. Al-Nassr view Martinelli as a direct, high-calibre replacement capable of delivering immediate impact in wide areas, allowing them to retain tactical width while upgrading end-product.

Negotiation hurdles still to clear

• Contract length: Martinelli only penned a new Arsenal deal in February 2023, tying him down until 2027. Al-Nassr must therefore convince the London club rather than rely on player power.
• Player ambition: The Brazilian has often spoken of winning the Premier League with Arsenal. He may hesitate to swap Champions League football for a developing league.
• UEFA vs. AFC competitions: The disparity in global exposure between Europe’s elite tournament and Asia’s showpiece could sway the winger’s decision.

What happens next in the Gabriel Martinelli transfer saga?

Al-Nassr intend to submit their official bid once Duran’s loan exit and Talisca’s contract extension are finalised, freeing up both squad space and budget. Arsenal, for their part, are expected to wait until late July before making a definitive call, allowing Arteta to assess pre-season form and alternative targets. Should negotiations enter August, Arsenal’s leverage increases significantly, yet Al-Nassr’s hierarchy are unfazed, believing their financial muscle ultimately triumphs.

Potential replacements if Arsenal sell

Reports in Italy and Spain suggest Arsenal would turn to Juventus’ Federico Chiesa or Athletic Club’s Nico Williams if the Gabriel Martinelli transfer proceeds. Both players fit Arteta’s preferred profile of explosive wingers who can press from the front and interchange across the forward line.

Statistical snapshot of Martinelli’s rise

Since arriving from Ituano in 2019, Martinelli has:

1. Scored 38 goals and delivered 25 assists in 146 appearances.
2. Averaged 6.3 progressive carries per 90 minutes—top 10% among Premier League wingers.
3. Recorded the third-highest expected goals (xG) tally among Arsenal attackers last season.

These metrics underpin why both Arsenal and Al-Nassr value him so highly and why the Gabriel Martinelli transfer saga could become one of the window’s most compelling narratives.

Financial fair play considerations

Arsenal’s technical director Edu has been vocal about staying “self-sustainable.” At £73 million, the club would bank a sizeable profit on a player who cost just £6 million. Such capital gains could be reinvested without breaching Premier League profit and sustainability limits, especially if fringe sales of Nuno Tavares or Sambi Lokonga materialise.

Opinion: A crossroads for club and player

The Gabriel Martinelli transfer decision ultimately pits ambition against pragmatism. For Arsenal, keeping an ascending star aligns with their long-term strategy, yet a record fee could balance the books and fund squad depth. For Martinelli, the lure of becoming the poster boy of Saudi football—and quadrupling his salary—competes with the dream of lifting silverware at the Emirates. Whatever the outcome, this potential move underscores Saudi Arabia’s growing clout in reshaping the global transfer market.

Short opinion: If Arsenal believe they can reinvest wisely and Martinelli fancies a new challenge, this might be the rare scenario where a big-money exit suits all parties. Yet, with Champions League nights beckoning, the smart bet remains on the Brazilian staying in North London—at least one more season.