Full Breakdown
Gabriel Martinelli’s Record-Breaking Transfer from Arsenal to Al Hilal
8/30/2026, 7:52:34 PM
Martinelli’s Move to Al Hilal
Brazilian winger Gabriel Martinelli is set to leave Arsenal for Saudi Pro League side Al Hilal. A verbal agreement has been reached, and the player has been authorised to travel within 24 hours to complete a medical and sign a long-term contract. The transfer will become Arsenal’s highest-value sale, surpassing the £35 million received for Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain in 2017.
Background and Recent Transfer Activity
Martinelli joined Arsenal from Ituano in 2019 and has made close to 190 appearances, scoring more than 40 goals and contributing to the club’s 2023-24 Premier League title and Champions League final run. Over the summer, Arsenal’s attacking roster has shifted: Christos Tzolis was signed from Club Brugge, Leandro Trossard moved to Besiktas, and the club is linked with other targets such as Vinícius Júnior. Fellow Brazilian Gabriel Jesus is also slated to depart for Barcelona in a separate deal. These moves reflect Arsenal’s broader squad restructuring under sporting director Andrea Berta.
Transfer Details and Financial Terms
- Fee range: Reports vary. Club-source reports have cited a guaranteed €70 million fee, while other outlets have listed a fixed £55.7 million amount.
- Contract: Martinelli is expected to sign a long-term deal with Al Hilal; the exact length has not been disclosed.
- Travel authorization: Arsenal have granted the player permission to travel to Saudi Arabia within the next 24 hours to undergo his medical.
- Add-ons: Some reports indicate the fee includes performance-related add-ons, though the precise structure remains undisclosed.
Official Responses
The statement underscored the mutual understanding between player and club regarding the transfer. Al Hilal’s management, led by coach Simone Inzaghi, has described the signing as part of a “pre-planned attacking overhaul” aimed at strengthening the squad for domestic and continental competitions.
Impact on Arsenal and the Saudi Pro League
- Arsenal: The departure removes a left-wing option that fell down the pecking order after the arrivals of Tzolis and Trossard. The £55.7 million (or higher) inflow provides financial flexibility for reinvestment ahead of the next transfer window.
- Al Hilal: Adding Martinelli joins recent high-profile acquisitions, including Crysencio Summerville and Ollie Watkins, signaling the club’s ambition to assemble a multi-national attacking line-up under Inzaghi. The move also reinforces the Saudi Pro League’s trend of attracting established Premier League talent.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
- Fee discrepancy: Sources differ on the exact amount—€70 million guaranteed, “more than €65 million” per Romano, and a fixed £55.7 million figure. No official club statement has confirmed a single figure.
- Contract length: While a “long-term” contract is mentioned, the precise duration and wage details remain undisclosed.
- Add-on structure: The composition of potential add-ons has not been detailed, leaving the total future value uncertain.
What’s Next
The immediate next steps involve Martinelli completing his medical in Saudi Arabia, followed by the signing of his contract and the formal announcement by Al Hilal. Pending completion, the player could debut for Al Hilal in their upcoming Saudi Pro League match against Al-Shabab. Arsenal will continue to pursue replacements for the left-wing position as the summer transfer window approaches its deadline.
