Gabriel Martinelli has left Arsenal to join Saudi Pro League club Al-Hilal in a £60 million transfer, bringing his seven-year spell in north London to an end.
The agreement guarantees Arsenal a £60m fee and also includes a sell-on clause, giving the Gunners a further financial interest in the Brazilian forward’s future.
Martinelli, 25, has agreed to a four-year contract with Al-Hilal, who are currently level on points at the top of the Saudi Pro League alongside Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr.
Martinelli Ends Seven-Year Arsenal Career
Martinelli arrived at Arsenal from Brazilian club Ituano in 2019 and quickly developed into an important member of the first-team squad.
However, with only one year remaining on his Arsenal contract, the Brazil international was informed by manager Mikel Arteta that he was not part of his plans for the current campaign.
The forward’s departure now brings an end to his time at Emirates Stadium.
“Proud to be blue, proud to be Al-Hilal,” Martinelli said in a video released by his new club as he was officially unveiled.
His move also sees him join a squad containing several players with Premier League experience.
Martinelli Joins Watkins and Summerville at Al-Hilal
Martinelli will link up with Ollie Watkins, who recently moved to Al-Hilal from Aston Villa in a £51m transfer.
The Saudi club have also recruited Dutch winger Crysencio Summerville from West Ham during the summer.
Al-Hilal are managed by former Inter Milan boss Simone Inzaghi, with the club competing near the top of the Saudi Pro League.
Martinelli’s new contract is also expected to represent a substantial financial increase.
Reports indicate that the salary offered by Al-Hilal is considerably higher than his reported £180,000-a-week earnings at Arsenal.
Martinelli’s Final Arsenal Season
Martinelli leaves Arsenal following a campaign in which he made 53 appearances across all competitions and scored 11 goals.
The Gunners also secured their first top-flight championship since 2004 during that season.
Despite his involvement throughout the previous campaign, Martinelli’s position within Arteta’s plans changed during the summer.
The Brazilian was not included in either of Arsenal’s first two matchday squads of the new season, with Arteta indicating that regular playing opportunities would be difficult to find if Martinelli stayed in north London.
That situation ultimately contributed to the decision for the player to move on.
Ian Wright Questions Arsenal’s Treatment of Martinelli
Former Arsenal striker Ian Wright expressed his disappointment over how Martinelli was handled during the opening stages of the season.
Wright was particularly critical of the decision to leave the Brazilian out of Arsenal’s squad for their opening fixture against Coventry.
Speaking to Sky Sports, Wright said he was uncomfortable with the way Martinelli’s situation had developed.
He acknowledged that Arsenal may have decided it was time for the player to move on, but argued that the club should have handled the departure in a way that also considered Martinelli’s preferences.
The move to Al-Hilal now provides Martinelli with a fresh start and a new challenge after seven seasons in the Premier League.
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