Gabriel Martinelli joins Al-Hilal from Arsenal in record deal worth up to £60 million

Record transfer terms

Brazil forward Gabriel Martinelli has completed a transfer from Premier League champions Arsenal to Saudi Pro League club Al-Hilal. The 25-year-old winger agreed to a four-year contract running through 2030, concluding a seven-year stay in North London. While neither club publicly confirmed the exact financial details, reported transfer figures range between £60 million ($81.2 million) and €70 million. At £60 million, the fee makes Martinelli the most lucrative outgoing transfer in Arsenal history. The sale surpasses the previous club record set in 2017, when midfielder Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain moved to Liverpool for £35 million.

Seven seasons in North London

Martinelli initially arrived at Arsenal in July 2019 from Brazilian youth club Ituano-SP for a fee slightly above €7 million. Over seven seasons under manager Mikel Arteta, the forward accumulated 278 competitive appearances, registering 62 goals and 36 assists. During his tenure, Arsenal secured the FA Cup in 2020, the FA Community Shield in 2023, and their first Premier League championship since 2004 last season, alongside a run to the Champions League final against Paris Saint-Germain. In his final full campaign with the Gunners, Martinelli scored 11 goals in 53 appearances across all competitions.

Arsenal released a statement marking his departure on Thursday:

Everyone at Arsenal would like to thank Gabi for his contribution to the club and wish him and his family well for the future.

Tactical adjustments and squad omissions

The transfer follows Martinelli's omission from Arsenal matchday squads in the opening weeks of the season. Arteta left the Brazilian international out of the squad for the Community Shield victory over Manchester City and subsequent Premier League wins against Coventry and Aston Villa. Former Arsenal striker Ian Wright stated publicly that the handling of Martinelli left him feeling "uncomfortable" and argued the winger deserved "more respect." Martinelli's exit coincides with significant turnover on Arsenal's left wing, following the departure of Belgian forward Leandro Trossard to Besiktas last month. The two wingers combined for 19 goals last season. To compensate, Arsenal signed Christos Tzolis from Club Brugge, with Eberechi Eze, Noni Madueke, and Bukayo Saka expected to take on expanded roles on the left flank.

Al-Hilal recruitment drive

Martinelli joins a heavily reinforced Al-Hilal squad under club president Prince Nawaf bin Saad. The Saudi Pro League deadline on Sunday, 6 September provided additional negotiation room following the closure of the English window on Tuesday. Martinelli is Al-Hilal's third Premier League acquisition of the window, following the signings of winger Crysencio Summerville from West Ham United for over €60 million and striker Ollie Watkins from Aston Villa for €58 million after the release of Karim Benzema. The Brazilian international, who has earned 27 caps for his national team, also links up with overseas signings Théo Hernandez, Kalidou Koulibaly, and Yassine Bounou in Riyadh.