Gabriel Martinelli leaves Arsenal for Al-Hilal in £60m record deal

Just days after Gabriel Jesus moved to Barcelona, Arsenal bid farewell to another key forward: Gabriel Martinelli. The Brazilian winger has completed a £60 million transfer to Al-Hilal of Saudi Arabia, marking the highest fee Arsenal have ever received for a departing player. The deal includes a sell-on clause, ensuring the Gunners retain future interest if Martinelli rediscovers his form. Martinelli joined Arsenal from Ituano in 2026 for around £6 million. Over six seasons, he scored 15 Premier League goals in 2026-23, playing a vital role in the club's title challenge. However, his form declined over the last two seasons, losing his starting spot to Leandro Trossard and other new signings. Despite being part of the Premier League-winning squad last season, Martinelli was no longer a priority under Mikel Arteta. Martinelli's departure comes as Arsenal restructure their squad after winning the title. With £60 million from this deal plus the fee from Jesus, Arsenal have significant funds to invest in new signings. This is seen as a strategic move: selling a depreciating asset at peak value, driven by demand from the Saudi Pro League. The sell-on clause also acts as a shield if Martinelli regains form in the Middle East. Tactically, Martinelli is a pacey, direct winger suited to fast transitions. However, under Arteta, Arsenal increasingly favor possession and slow build-up, compressing the space for Martinelli's runs. Al-Hilal, with more open play in the Saudi league, could help him restore his level. But if his decline stems from physical issues or injuries, Al-Hilal may risk £60 million on a player who has underperformed for two consecutive seasons. Arsenal now face pressure to find adequate replacements. With two forwards leaving in one week, fans expect at least one quality signing to defend the title. If not, the narrative could shift from 'smart business' to 'weakening the squad.' However, with ample transfer funds and the prestige of champions, Arsenal have the pull to attract top targets. For Al-Hilal, this deal is part of the Saudi Pro League's 'second wave' strategy, targeting players under 28 with Premier League experience rather than just aging superstars. Martinelli, at 24-25, still has resale value. If he adapts well to Arabian football, Al-Hilal could recoup or even profit from a future transfer. But the risk is real: a pace-dependent player is prone to injuries, and a new environment is not always favorable. Overall, the Gabriel Martinelli transfer is a bold move for both sides. Arsenal maximized the value of a player no longer in their long-term plans, while Al-Hilal bets on the resurgence of a once-explosive talent. The remaining questions: Will Arsenal reinvest wisely to maintain their title? And can Martinelli find himself again under the Arabian sky? Time will tell. (Based on analysis from The Guardian and in-depth football data sources.)