Arsenal Squad ‘Unhappy’ With Mikel Arteta as Gabriel Martinelli Nears £40m Al-Hilal Transfer

Tension is reportedly growing behind the scenes at Arsenal as Gabriel Martinelli edges closer to a move to Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal, with reports suggesting some members of the squad are unhappy with how the Brazilian has been treated by manager Mikel Arteta.

The Gabriel Martinelli to Al-Hilal transfer has accelerated in recent days, with Arsenal and the Saudi club making progress in negotiations over a deal that could be worth around £40-50 million. Martinelli is understood to be open to the move if the two clubs can finalize an agreement.

Dressing Room Discomfort

According to reports, Arteta’s handling of Martinelli’s situation has caused “some discomfort” within the Arsenal squad.

Several players are believed to be sympathetic toward the Brazilian winger, who has been left out of recent matchday squads while speculation over his future continues. Reports suggest some teammates feel Martinelli deserves greater clarity and recognition for his contributions to the club over the last seven years.

Martinelli has been a key figure during Arteta’s reign, helping Arsenal win major honours and becoming one of the club’s most popular players.

Martinelli Closing In on Exit

The 25-year-old joined Arsenal from Brazilian side Ituano in 2019 for around £6 million and has gone on to score more than 60 goals for the club.

Al-Hilal are now pushing hard to complete the transfer, with reports indicating that negotiations between the clubs have advanced significantly in recent days. Arsenal are also expected to include a future sell-on clause in the agreement.

If completed, the deal could become one of the biggest sales in Arsenal’s history.

Why Arsenal Are Considering the Sale

Arsenal’s willingness to listen to offers appears linked to the club’s plans to reshape their attack.

The Gunners have already strengthened key areas of the squad and continue to be linked with high-profile forwards, including Julián Álvarez, as Arteta looks to maintain Arsenal’s push for domestic and European success.

Selling Martinelli would also provide significant funds that could be reinvested into the squad before the transfer window closes.

Arteta Faces a Delicate Situation

Arteta has built a reputation for making difficult decisions in pursuit of success, but Martinelli’s potential departure appears to have created one of the more sensitive moments of his tenure.

The Arsenal manager has previously admitted that difficult choices would have to be made regarding certain players as the club continues evolving.

Whether the reported dressing-room concerns have a lasting impact remains to be seen, but the situation highlights the challenges top managers face when balancing squad harmony with long-term planning.

Sevens Sports Arena Verdict

Gabriel Martinelli’s potential move to Al-Hilal is becoming one of the biggest stories of Arsenal’s summer.

Reports of dressing-room discomfort suggest the Brazilian remains highly respected among his teammates, while questions continue to be asked about the handling of his situation.

For Arsenal, the decision appears to be part of a wider squad rebuild and could help fund future signings.

For Martinelli, a move to Saudi Arabia would mark the end of a memorable chapter in North London.

The deal is not completed yet — but all signs point toward a major transfer and an emotional Arsenal farewell.