Gabriel Martinelli could be set to leave Arsenal for Al Hilal with the two clubs in talks over a transfer.
Martinelli, 25, was not involved in Mikel Arteta’s squads for Arsenal’s Community Shield win against Manchester City and their Premier League victory over Coventry.
Arteta has spoken to Martinelli about his future with the Gunners exploring a deal to allow him to leave during the window.
Saudi Arabian side Al Hilal, who are also reportedly interested in bringing in Ollie Watkins from Aston Villa, want Martinelli with a possible deal in the region of £40 million ($54.5 million), the Press Association understands.
Martinelli, who has played nearly 300 times across seven seasons at the Emirates Stadium, has a year to run on his current contract.
He scored 11 times last term, but just twice in the Premier League, and Christos Tzolis, who impressed in Arsenal’s 3-0 win over Coventry, was added to Arteta’s squad last month for £34 million.
Despite the sale of left-sided forward Leandro Trossard to Besiktas, and Martinelli’s possible exit, Arsenal believe they have enough cover on that side of the pitch with Bukayo Saka, Noni Madueke and Eberechi Eze all able to play there.
Elsewhere in the market, Arsenal remain interested in signing Julian Alvarez from Atlético Madrid, but Barcelona are thought to be more likely to capture the Argentina international, who was jeered by his own supporters in a 2-2 home league draw against Villarreal on Sunday.
The Gunners started their campaign with a confident win against newly-promoted Coventry – and with rivals Manchester City failing to convince in a 2-1 fightback win over Bournemouth, defeats for Manchester United and Tottenham, and Liverpool only salvaging a late draw at Newcastle, the Gunners will be hopeful of retaining their crown.
Former Manchester United and England defender Gary Neville said he believes Arsenal will cruise to the title.
Speaking on Sky’s The Gary Neville Podcast, he said: “Arsenal are going to be feeling really confident right now.
“It is the most sure I’ve ever been after one game – and look, I could have egg on my face at the end of the season – that we have seen a team that are going to be Premier League champions.”
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