Arsenal have opened discussions with Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal over a potential deal for Brazilian winger Gabriel Martinelli.
The 25-year-old has been told he can leave the Emirates Stadium this summer after manager Mikel Arteta made it clear that the forward does not feature in his plans for the new season.
Galatasaray had previously expressed an interest in signing Martinelli and submitted a €45m (£38.54m) offer to Arsenal.
However, the Brazil international was not interested in a move to Istanbul.
Al-Hilal have now entered the race and are understood to have informed Arsenal that they are prepared to exceed the Turkish club's offer.
Martinelli joined the Gunners from Brazilian club Ituano in 2019 and has just 12 months remaining on his current Arsenal contract.
Despite the uncertainty surrounding his future, Martinelli remained an important figure last season.
He made 53 appearances across all competitions and scored 11 goals as Arsenal went on to win the Premier League title.
However, his situation has changed significantly ahead of the new campaign.
Martinelli was left out of Arteta's squad for Arsenal's opening Premier League fixture against Coventry on Friday, which the champions won 3-0.
The decision attracted criticism from former Arsenal striker Ian Wright, who questioned the way the club has handled Martinelli's situation.
Speaking to Sky Sports, Wright said he felt "uncomfortable" with the treatment of the winger and argued that, even if Arsenal want to sell him, Martinelli's own wishes should be considered when determining his next move.
Arteta is understood to have spoken directly with Martinelli about his situation and explained the reasons behind his exclusion from the first-team squad.
Al-Hilal's pursuit of Martinelli comes as the Saudi Arabian club also considers a move for Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins.
The England international missed Villa's opening-weekend defeat by Brighton on Sunday, while manager Unai Emery declined to guarantee that Watkins would remain at Villa Park.
With Al-Hilal prepared to improve on Galatasaray's previous offer and Martinelli seemingly no longer part of Arteta's plans, the Brazilian's seven-year spell in north London could be approaching its conclusion.
