Chelsea help Arsenal complete club-record transfer

Chelsea to help Arsenal complete club-record transfer Make us your Google favourite Chelsea ’s valuation of Pedro Neto is set to help Arsenal complete the club-record sale of Gabriel Martinelli to Saudi Pro League outfit Al-Hilal. Xabi Alonso’s side have set their asking price for Neto at a whopping €117 million (£100m) and it’s understood that while Al-Hilal are interested in signing the Portugal winger, they have no interest in paying a fee of that size. As a result, they have turned their attention to Martinelli, and insider has confirmed that negotiations over a summer deal are well underway, with Arsenal seeking a fee worth roughly €70m. Martinelli was omitted from Arsenal’s matchday squad to face Coventry City in their first fixture of the new Premier League season on Friday night, and Ben Jacobs reports that he has already been informed that a sale is on the cards. The Brazil international rejected an approach from Galatasaray in early August, however it’s understood that he is open to a Saudi Arabia switch, with Al-Hilal currently willing to pay just under €60m. A transfer fee agreement has not yet been reached, but talks between the two clubs are ongoing and there is significant optimism that a deal will be finalised, despite the fact that Al-Hilal have already bolstered their left winger roster with the signing of Crysencio Summerville earlier this summer. Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain remains Arsenal’s most expensive sale in history, thanks to his €38m move to Liverpool in 2017, but he is finally set to be usurped by Martinelli if Al-Hilal are able to finalise a deal before Transfer Deadline Day. Who will Arsenal sign to replace Gabriel Martinelli? sources understands that Arsenal will only allow Martinelli to leave the club if they are able to sign a replacement , and they are believed to be eyeing a possible move for Juventus star Kenan Yildiz. The Serie A giants have no interest in selling Yildiz before the end of the summer window, but Arsenal are closely monitoring his situation and they have been tipped to lodge a late bid for his signature. Meanwhile, the Gunners are also keeping tabs on Atletico Madrid striker Julian Alvarez, who wouldn’t be a like-for-like replacement for Martinelli but would bolster their attacking roster. It’s claimed that Arteta and sporting director Andrea Berta are in contact with Alvarez’s representatives and while he continues to favour a move to Barcelona, he could be set to join Arsenal if the north London giants submit a formal offer to Atletico Madrid.