Story perspectives

Arsenal agree €65m-plus deal for Martinelli to Al Hilal

8/30/2026

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Summary

Arsenal sells Martinelli

Arsenal have agreed to sell 25-year-old Gabriel Martinelli to Saudi Pro League club Al Hilal.
The reported fee exceeds €65 million (£55.7 million), setting a new Arsenal record.
A verbal agreement includes add-ons, a four-year contract and a medical within 24 hours.
Al Hilal say the signing supports their strategy to attract leading international players.

Summary

Atletico Complains

Atletico Madrid lodged a formal complaint with the Spanish FA after Barcelona’s failed bid for Julián Álvarez.
Hansi Flick said Barcelona are “on a good path” with recruitment, praising sporting director Deco.
Deco said the club sees Gabriel Jesus as a market opportunity, not a replacement for Álvarez.
Barcelona will register Jesus after his medical to strengthen the attack for the La Liga title defence.

History

Historical Context

In 2009, Cristiano Ronaldo’s £80 million move from Manchester United to Real Madrid shattered transfer records and reshaped European football. The deal, negotiated by Sir Alex Ferguson and Florentino Pérez, set a €90 million benchmark that clubs later used to justify multimillion-euro signings. Today, Arsenal’s €65 million sale of Gabriel Martinelli to Al Hilal and Barcelona’s pursuit of Gabriel Jesus echo the same high-fee, cross-border recruitment strategy. These transactions pressure European clubs like Atletico Madrid and Barcelona to intensify scouting and financial planning, reshaping La Liga’s competitive balance.

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Arsenal sells Martinelli

Arsenal have agreed to sell 25-year-old Gabriel Martinelli to Saudi Pro League club Al Hilal.
The reported fee exceeds €65 million (£55.7 million), setting a new Arsenal record.
A verbal agreement includes add-ons, a four-year contract and a medical within 24 hours.
Al Hilal say the signing supports their strategy to attract leading international players.

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