Al Hilal Pursue Arsenal’s Martinelli as European Clubs Prepare Late Transfer Deals

Saudi Arabian club Al Hilal is in negotiations with Arsenal over a permanent transfer for winger Gabriel Martinelli, amidst widespread player movement across major European leagues in the final week of the transfer window.

Arsenal are seeking a fee in the region of £60 million for Martinelli. The player is open to a move to the Saudi Pro League after previously declining interest from clubs in Turkey. Al Hilal is simultaneously conducting negotiations to sign Aston Villa forward Ollie Watkins, aiming for a double transfer from the English Premier League.

Arsenal are considering Lille forward Matias Fernandez-Pardo as a potential replacement on the left wing. Lille are seeking €70 million for the 21-year-old Belgian international, who moved to the French side from Antwerp in 2024. Lille have already rejected offers near €40 million from both Atletico Madrid and RB Leipzig during the current transfer period.

In another major potential deal, Manchester City are ready to match Chelsea’s £120 million valuation for midfielder Enzo Fernández. City manager Enzo Maresca is reshaping his squad following the exits of Rodri and Tijjani Reijnders, which generated more than £100 million in transfer funds. Chelsea are open to letting the Argentina international depart if their full asking price is secured.

At the same time, Newcastle United are advancing in negotiations to buy Manchester City midfielder Nico González for £50 million. A club-to-club agreement is reported to be nearly complete, though discussions between Newcastle and the Spanish player’s representatives remain active. González arrived at Manchester City from FC Porto in January 2025 for a similar £50 million fee and remains under contract through June 2029.

In other domestic moves, Aston Villa remain in talks with Southampton regarding defender Taylor Harwood-Bellis. Southampton turned down Villa’s recent proposal of £20 million plus £4 million in add-ons, but negotiations continue as Villa seek a long-term replacement for Ezri Konsa, who recently joined Arsenal in a £51 million deal.

Meanwhile, Manchester United are keeping tabs on Barcelona left-back Alejandro Balde, although United club sources play down the likelihood of securing the transfer. Arsenal are also prepared to move for Atletico Madrid striker Julián Álvarez should an opportunity open, though sources in Spain state Álvarez prefers a potential move to Barcelona. Additionally, former Chelsea forward Christopher Nkunku is close to joining RB Leipzig on loan from AC Milan, where he was deemed surplus to requirements under manager Ruben Amorim.

Background

The European football transfer window allows professional clubs to purchase, sell, or loan players before squad registration deadlines are enforced for the upcoming season. In recent transfer windows, teams from the Saudi Pro League have actively recruited established players from European leagues using substantial financial offers. Meanwhile, Premier League teams frequently buy and sell players between domestic rivals to meet financial regulation targets and adjust to new managerial tactics.