Gabriel Martinelli Joins Al-Hilal In £60m Deal

Arsenal winger Gabriel Martinelli has completed a permanent transfer to Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal, with the Premier League club securing an initial £60 million fee for the Brazilian international.

The transaction, confirmed by both clubs on Thursday consists of a guaranteed £60 million upfront payment and includes a sell-on clause that will entitle Arsenal to a percentage of any future transfer involving the player.

The move brings an end to Martinelli’s seven-year tenure at the Emirates Stadium, during which he developed from a little-known signing from Brazilian fourth-division side Ituano into a key first-team contributor.

Martinelli, 25, has agreed to a long-term contract with Al-Hilal, who currently share the top spot in the Saudi Pro League standings with Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr.

The winger is expected to join his new teammates immediately as the Riyadh-based club pursues both domestic and continental silverware this season.

The Brazilian’s departure comes with just 12 months remaining on his existing Arsenal contract. Despite his significant contributions over the years, including an FA Cup victory in 2020 and a pivotal role in Arsenal’s 2022-23 title challenge, manager Mikel Arteta had informed Martinelli during pre-season discussions that he did not feature in the Spanish coach’s tactical plans for the current campaign.

That decision accelerated negotiations with Al-Hilal, who had previously expressed interest in the forward during the summer transfer window.

Martinelli originally joined Arsenal in 2019 for a reported £6 million, making the move from Ituano as an unheralded 18-year-old. He went on to make over 180 appearances for the Gunners across all competitions, scoring 41 goals and establishing himself as a fan favourite for his direct running and tireless work ethic. However, his playing time had diminished in recent months amid increased competition for places in Arteta’s attacking lineup, which now features the likes of Bukayo Saka, Leandro Trossard, and new signings.

For Al-Hilal, the acquisition of Martinelli represents a continued statement of intent in the Saudi league’s aggressive recruitment drive, adding another high-profile European-based talent to a squad that already includes Neymar, Aleksandar Mitrović, and Rúben Neves. The club will hope the Brazilian’s pace and dribbling ability can provide a fresh attacking spark as they push for the league title and a strong performance in the AFC Champions League.