After seven years with Arsenal FC, Gabriel Martinelli (25) is moving to Al-Hilal in Saudi Arabia. With a reported transfer fee of 70 million euros, the Brazilian becomes the most expensive sale in the Gunners’ history.
While the transfer window has already closed in Europe’s top five leagues, clubs in Saudi Arabia can still actively sign players until October 12. That’s why record champion Al-Hilal announced the signing of Arsenal’s Gabriel Martinelli on Thursday. The 25-year-old signed a four-year contract with the Riyadh-based club, running through 2030.
The English champions will receive a reported transfer fee of 70 million euros for the Brazilian. This makes Gabriel Martinelli the most expensive sale in Gunners history. The previous record had long been held by Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, who moved from London to Liverpool FC in 2017 for 38 million euros. Arsenal is now receiving nearly double that amount for Gabriel Martinelli.
Champions, FA Cup winners, Champions League finalists
Martinelli moved to North London in 2019 from his Brazilian youth club, Ituano FC, and made a total of 278 appearances for the Gunners across all competitions, scoring 62 goals as a left winger. During his first six years at Arsenal, the Brazilian won the FA Cup in 2020 and the Community Shield in 2023, but a major title under manager Mikel Arteta eluded the team.
That was set to change last season, when Arsenal celebrated their long-awaited first league title since 2004. Martinelli contributed to the campaign with 30 Premier League appearances (one goal). His performances were stronger in the Champions League, where he tallied six goals and two assists in 14 matches, though he was unable to prevent the defeat in the final against Paris St. Germain (4–3 on penalties)—despite converting a penalty kick.
Third New Signing from England for Al-Hilal
After Brazil’s elimination in the Round of 16 at the World Cup against Norway (1–2)—Martinelli scored one goal in four World Cup appearances—the 25-year-old no longer had a future at Arsenal. The Gunners had already found his replacement on the left wing in Christos Tzolis. Consequently, after seven years in London, the 27-time Brazilian international is now heading to the desert.
For Al-Hilal, Gabriel Martinelli is already the third new signing from the Premier League this summer. He was preceded by Dutchman Crysencio Summerville from relegated West Ham United and Ollie Watkins from Europa League champions Aston Villa. At the same time, the club lost its most recognizable face in Karim Benzema, as the French striker terminated his contract.
