Arsenal are on the verge of completing one of the biggest sales in the club’s history after reaching an agreement with Saudi Pro League giants Al Hilal for the transfer of Brazilian winger Gabriel Martinelli.
The deal, which has developed rapidly during the final stages of the transfer window, is understood to be worth more than €65 million including add-ons. Arsenal have now authorised Martinelli to travel to Saudi Arabia, where he is expected to undergo his medical before completing the remaining formalities of the transfer.
The agreement represents a major financial boost for Arsenal and will reportedly become the club’s record outgoing transfer. The fee surpasses the amount Arsenal previously received for Alex Oxlade Chamberlain’s move to Liverpool in 2017.
Martinelli has already agreed personal terms with Al Hilal and accepted the opportunity to continue his career in the Saudi Pro League. The Brazilian is expected to sign a long term contract with the Riyadh based club once his medical examinations are successfully completed.
The transfer is another major statement of intent from Al Hilal, who are continuing to strengthen their squad with high profile players. The Saudi club are also pursuing a move for Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins, with reports indicating that their plan is to bring both Premier League attackers to Saudi Arabia.
For Arsenal, Martinelli’s departure brings an end to a seven year association with the club. The 25 year old joined the Gunners from Brazilian side Ituano in 2019 after emerging as one of the most exciting young talents in South American football.
Arsenal paid a relatively modest fee to bring Martinelli to England, but the Brazilian quickly demonstrated that he had the ability to compete at the highest level. He made his Arsenal debut during the 2019/20 campaign and immediately attracted attention with his explosive pace, direct running and ability to attack defenders.
One of his most memorable moments came during his first season when he scored against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge before producing a remarkable individual run and finish against Liverpool in the FA Cup. His performances quickly established him as a fan favourite at the Emirates.
Martinelli also became an important part of Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal project. Operating predominantly from the left wing, he developed a reputation for attacking space behind defenders, pressing aggressively and making dangerous runs into the penalty area.
His speed became one of Arsenal’s biggest weapons during their Premier League title challenge, while his ability to play on either flank gave Arteta additional tactical flexibility.
Across his Arsenal career, Martinelli made 278 appearances and scored 62 goals, according to current reports. He was also part of the squad that won the FA Cup in 2020 and later helped Arsenal compete at the top end of the Premier League.
The Brazilian also established himself at international level. Martinelli progressed through Brazil’s youth system before receiving his senior international opportunity. He eventually became part of Brazil’s squad for major international competitions, competing alongside some of the biggest names in world football.
Reports earlier in the summer indicated that Martinelli had been made available for transfer, while the winger had also attracted interest from other European clubs. A previous proposal from Galatasaray was reportedly rejected before negotiations with Al Hilal progressed.
The arrival of Christos Tzolis further intensified competition for the left wing position, making Martinelli’s future at the Emirates increasingly uncertain.
Mikel Arteta now faces the task of replacing a player who has been an important part of Arsenal’s squad for several seasons. Martinelli’s departure also comes during an extraordinary period of transfer activity for the Gunners.
Arsenal are simultaneously preparing for Gabriel Jesus to leave for Barcelona in a separate deal, while Fabio Vieira is also reportedly nearing a permanent departure. The changes represent a significant reshaping of Arteta’s attacking options.
For Martinelli, however, the move to Al Hilal represents the beginning of a completely new chapter.
The Brazilian winger will arrive in Saudi Arabia at the age of 25, meaning he still has considerable years ahead of him at the highest level. His pace, technical ability and experience in the Premier League could make him one of the most exciting attacking players in the Saudi Pro League.
Al Hilal will expect him to make an immediate impact and provide goals, assists and attacking creativity as the club continues its ambitions of dominating Saudi football and competing strongly on the continental stage.
Martinelli’s departure will undoubtedly be emotional for Arsenal supporters. He arrived in north London as an unknown teenager from Brazil and leaves as an established international footballer who has played hundreds of matches for one of England’s biggest clubs.
His journey from Ituano to Arsenal and now Al Hilal highlights just how dramatically his career has developed over the past seven years.
The transfer is not officially complete until Martinelli passes his medical and signs the final documents, but with Arsenal granting him permission to travel and an agreement already in place, the Brazilian appears to be heading towards the Emirates exit.
For Arsenal, the deal provides a record transfer fee and valuable funds for further squad investment. For Al Hilal, it represents another major acquisition in their pursuit of domestic and international success.
And for Gabriel Martinelli, it marks the end of one chapter and the beginning of an entirely new adventure in Saudi Arabia.
