Gabriel Martinelli Leaves Arsenal in Record Breaking Al-Hilal Transfer

Gabriel Martinelli’s seven-year stay at Arsenal has come to an end after the Brazilian completed a £60million move to Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal.

The 25-year-old has signed a four-year contract with Simeone Inzaghi’s side, bringing the curtain down on a spell in North London that saw him develop from a relatively unknown teenager into a Premier League winner and Brazil international. The £60m guaranteed fee, which also included a sell-on clause, represents a new record sale for Arsenal, surpassing the £40m received from Liverpool for Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain in 2017.

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Martinelli Completes £60m Move to Al-Hilal

Al-Hilal officially confirmed Martinelli’s arrival on Thursday, with the Brazilian joining the Saudi club on a contract running for the next four years. He has already taken part in first-team training following the completion of the transfer.

Martinelli becomes the latest established Premier League player to make the move to Al-Hilal. He will link up with former Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins and ex-West Ham winger Crysencio Summerville, giving Inzaghi another major attacking option as the club competes for honours in Saudi Arabia.

The Brazilian marked his arrival with a simple message during his unveiling:

“Proud to be blue, proud to be Al-Hilal.”

Martinelli has since spoken about his determination to compete for trophies with his new club, while also describing Arsenal as his home after seven years in North London and thanking the club and its supporters for their backing throughout his time in England.

Seven Years at Arsenal Come to an End

Martinelli initially joined Arsenal from Ituano in the summer of 2019 as an 18-year-old and quickly established himself as one of the most exciting young forwards at the club.

He leaves having made 278 appearances in all competitions, scoring 62 goals. His honours with Arsenal include the 2020 FA Cup, the 2023 Community Shield and, most significantly, the 2025/26 Premier League title.

Martinelli was involved throughout Arsenal’s championship-winning campaign last season, making 53 appearances in all competitions and scoring 11 times. His Premier League involvement had already started to decrease, however, with only 11 of his 30 league outings coming from the starting XI.

That represented a significant change from Martinelli’s status earlier in Arteta’s reign. At his most productive, the Brazilian provided pace, direct running and goals from the left, including 15 Premier League goals during the 2022/23 campaign.

His departure also underlines how much Arsenal’s squad has changed under Arteta. Following Martinelli’s sale, Bukayo Saka is now the only player remaining from the first-team squad the Spaniard inherited when he took charge in December 2019.

Why Did Gabriel Martinelli Leave Arsenal?

Martinelli entered the final year of his Arsenal contract having fallen down the attacking pecking order, and his position became increasingly clear during the opening weeks of the new campaign.

Summer signing Christos Tzolis was brought in from Club Brugge to strengthen the left-hand side and started Arsenal’s opening Premier League matches, while Martinelli was omitted from the matchday squads.

A move had already been discussed earlier in the summer. Martinelli reportedly rejected an opportunity to join Galatasaray before Al-Hilal stepped up their interest, eventually agreeing a deal worth a guaranteed £60m.

The transfer has now provided a definitive conclusion. Arsenal receive a club-record fee for a player entering the final year of his contract, while Martinelli receives the opportunity to establish himself as a central figure in one of Saudi Arabia’s leading sides.

What Does Martinelli’s Exit Mean for Arsenal?

For Arsenal, attention now turns to how Arteta manages his attacking options during a season in which the club will be attempting to defend its Premier League crown while once again competing for the Champions League.

Tzolis has already been given an early opportunity on the left and Martinelli’s departure appears to confirm the Greece international as a major part of Arteta’s plans. The £60m generated by Martinelli’s sale also makes this a significant piece of business financially, particularly given Arsenal initially signed him from Ituano as a teenager.

There is still a sizeable contribution to replace. Martinelli registered 41 goals and 24 assists across 191 Premier League appearances and was part of Arsenal’s transformation from a side outside the Champions League places into English champions.

His move therefore represents more than another summer transfer. One of the longest-serving members of Arteta’s Arsenal has departed, leaving behind a Premier League title, an FA Cup and more than 60 goals before beginning the next stage of his career with Al-Hilal.

Arsenal Hospitality FAQs

Has Gabriel Martinelli left Arsenal?

Yes. Gabriel Martinelli completed a permanent transfer from Arsenal to Saudi Pro League club Al-Hilal on Thursday 3rd September 2026. The Brazilian has signed a four-year contract with his new club.

How much did Al-Hilal pay Arsenal for Gabriel Martinelli?

The transfer is worth a guaranteed £60million and also contains a sell-on clause. The fee makes Martinelli Arsenal’s record player sale, surpassing the £40m received for Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain in 2017.

How many goals did Gabriel Martinelli score for Arsenal?

Martinelli scored 62 goals in 278 appearances across all competitions during his seven years with Arsenal. He also helped the Gunners win the FA Cup, Community Shield and 2025/26 Premier League title.

Who could replace Gabriel Martinelli at Arsenal?

Christos Tzolis is among Arsenal’s leading options on the left wing after joining from Club Brugge during the summer. He started the club’s opening Premier League fixtures while Martinelli was left out of the matchday squad.

Can I book Arsenal hospitality with Eventmasters?

Yes. Eventmasters offers Arsenal hospitality at the Emirates Stadium throughout the 2026/27 season, giving guests the opportunity to watch the defending Premier League champions with premium seating and VIP matchday facilities. Hospitality opportunities are available across selected Premier League and UEFA Champions League fixtures, including experiences such as the Cannon Club.