Gabriel Martinelli Departs Arsenal for Al Hilal in Record-Breaking Deal

Brazilian forward Gabriel Martinelli has officially finalized his transfer from Arsenal to Saudi Pro League side Al Hilal. The move, which was confirmed on September 3, 2026, marks the end of a significant seven-year chapter for the 25-year-old at the North London club. The transfer is valued at a fixed fee of £60 million, establishing a new record for the highest sale in Arsenal's history.

Martinelli, who arrived at the Emirates as a teenager from the Brazilian club Ituano in 2019, made 278 appearances for the Gunners. During his time in England, he played a vital role in the club's recent successes, including their Premier League title victory last season, as well as securing the FA Cup in 2020 and the FA Community Shield in 2023. His departure follows a period where he found himself increasingly sidelined from Mikel Arteta’s starting lineup.

Before finalizing the agreement with Al Hilal, the winger had reportedly turned down interest from other clubs, including a potential move to Galatasaray earlier in the summer. The Saudi club, which currently maintains a perfect record in their domestic league, successfully negotiated the deal after Arsenal sought a significant valuation for the player. Because Martinelli was signed for a modest fee in 2019, the transaction is viewed as a major financial gain for Arsenal’s accounting books.

As Martinelli begins his new career in the Middle East, Arsenal is expected to shift its tactical focus, with reports suggesting the club will rely on other squad members to fill the void on the left flank. The move represents a major shift for both the player and the club, as the Saudi Pro League continues to attract high-profile talent from Europe's top divisions.