Gabriel Martinelli Completes £60m Move to Al-Hilal from Arsenal
Arsenal forward Gabriel Martinelli has transferred to Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal for a fee of £60m, concluding his seven-year tenure at the club.
In a significant development in the football transfer market, Arsenal’s forward Gabriel Martinelli has officially joined Saudi Pro League club Al-Hilal for a reported fee of £60 million. This move marks the end of the Brazilian international’s seven-year association with the Gunners, having joined the club from Ituano in 2019.
Martinelli, now 25, has signed a four-year contract with Al-Hilal, who are currently competing at the top of the Saudi league alongside Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr. The deal not only includes a guaranteed fee but also a sell-on clause, indicating Arsenal’s interest in potential future earnings from the player.
During his time at Arsenal, Martinelli made a notable impact, featuring in 53 matches across all competitions last season and contributing 11 goals to the team’s success in securing the Premier League title for the first time since 2004. However, with just a year left on his contract and being excluded from the first two matchday squads of the current season, it became clear that his future at the Emirates Stadium was uncertain.
Manager Mikel Arteta had indicated that Martinelli was not part of his plans moving forward, prompting the forward to seek opportunities elsewhere. In a video unveiling on Al-Hilal’s social media, Martinelli expressed his excitement about the move, stating, “Proud to be blue, proud to be Al-Hilal.”
Joining Martinelli at Al-Hilal is England striker Ollie Watkins, who recently transferred from Aston Villa for £51 million. The club has also welcomed Dutch winger Crysencio Summerville from West Ham, further strengthening their squad under the management of Simone Inzaghi.
Reports suggest that the financial package offered to Martinelli by Al-Hilal significantly surpasses his previous earnings at Arsenal, where he was on a reported £180,000 per week. This lucrative offer, combined with the opportunity for more regular playing time, likely influenced his decision to make the switch.
Former Arsenal striker Ian Wright has voiced his concerns regarding Martinelli’s treatment at the club, particularly his omission from the squad for the opening match of the season against Coventry. Wright expressed discomfort with the situation, highlighting the need for a more considerate approach to player departures.
As Martinelli embarks on this new chapter in his career, fans will be keen to see how he adapts to the challenges of the Saudi Pro League and contributes to Al-Hilal’s ambitions this season.
Source: This original report was produced by WTGO Newsroom using verified reporting from BBC Sport.