Al-Hilal have completed the signing of Brazil international Gabriel Martinelli from Arsenal in a deal reportedly worth £60.1m, making the 25-year-old the most expensive player sold in the Gunners’ history.
Martinelli has agreed a four-year contract with the Saudi Pro League club, who are also reported to have secured a sell-on clause as part of the transfer.
The forward leaves Arsenal after six years with the club, having joined from Brazilian side Ituano in 2019. He made 278 appearances in all competitions, scoring 62 goals and providing 34 assists.
Since Martinelli made his Arsenal debut, only Bukayo Saka has been directly involved in more goals for the club. Saka has contributed to 154 goals during that period, while Martinelli’s total stands at 96.
Martinelli was also among Arsenal’s leading players for several other attacking metrics. He completed 348 dribbles and made 424 carries that ended with him beating an opponent, ranking second for both statistics at the club since the beginning of the 2019-20 campaign.
His 287 chances created over the same period place him third for Arsenal.
During his time in north London, Martinelli helped Arsenal end a 22-year wait for the Premier League title last season. He also played a part in the club’s FA Cup success in 2020 and their Community Shield victory in 2023.
The move brings an end to a spell in which Martinelli established himself as an important attacking option for Arsenal and earned regular recognition at international level.
He has won 27 caps for Brazil and represented his country at the 2022 and 2026 World Cups, as well as the 2024 Copa America.
Al-Hilal have now added three major players from English clubs during this summer’s transfer activity. Martinelli follows the arrivals of Ollie Watkins and Crysencio Summerville.
The Saudi Pro League side have made a strong start to the current campaign and are top of the table after winning each of their opening four matches.
