Martinelli joins Al-Hilal from Arsenal for £60m

Harry Archie September 3, 2026

Sports

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Brazil forward Gabriel Martinelli has joined Saudi Pro League club Al-Hilal from Arsenal in a deal worth a reported £60 million.

The 25-year-old has signed a four-year contract with the Saudi club, bringing an end to his seven-year spell at Arsenal. Al-Hilal officially confirmed the transfer on Thursday.

Martinelli joined Arsenal from Brazilian club Ituano in 2019 as an 18-year-old. He went on to make 278 appearances for the Gunners, scoring 62 goals.

He helped Arsenal win the Premier League last season, as well as the FA Cup in 2020 and the Community Shield in 2023.

However, Martinelli found it difficult to secure a regular starting place last season. He made 30 league appearances but started only 11 of them.

He was also left out of Arsenal’s squad for the opening Premier League match of the new season, after manager Mikel Arteta told him he was not part of his plans.

The reported £60 million fee makes Martinelli Arsenal’s most expensive player sale, surpassing the £40 million the club received for Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain’s move to Liverpool in 2017. The deal also includes a sell-on clause.

Martinelli now joins a strong Al-Hilal squad that includes several high-profile players. The Saudi club has also signed former Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins and former West Ham winger Crysencio Summerville this summer.

The move brings Martinelli’s time in England to an end, while giving him a new opportunity in the Saudi Pro League.