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

Arsenal have officially confirmed the departure of forward Gabriel Martinelli, who has completed a permanent transfer to Saudi Pro League side Al Hilal. The deal, valued at a fixed fee of £60 million, marks a significant milestone for the North London club, establishing a new record for the highest transfer fee received in Arsenal's history. The 25-year-old has committed to a four-year contract with his new club in Riyadh.

Martinelli’s exit brings an end to a productive seven-year association with the Gunners. Since arriving from the Brazilian club Ituano in 2019, he made 278 appearances and netted 62 goals. During his time in England, he played a key role in several major achievements, including the club's recent Premier League title victory, the 2020 FA Cup, and the 2023 FA Community Shield.

Despite his contributions to the team's success, the Brazilian international found himself on the periphery of the squad at the start of the current campaign. His move to the Middle East follows a summer of speculation, during which he reportedly declined an offer from the Turkish club Galatasaray before finalizing terms with the Saudi giants.

For Arsenal, the transaction represents a major financial gain, as the player was signed for a modest fee as a teenager, ensuring the sale is recorded as pure profit. This transfer is part of a broader summer overhaul at the Emirates, which has seen the club generate over £120 million in player sales. The organization expressed its gratitude to Martinelli for his years of service and wished him well in his future endeavors.