One of Arsenal’s most beloved attackers of the modern era is heading to Saudi Arabia. Arsenal have officially confirmed that Gabriel Martinelli has joined Al Hilal on a permanent transfer for a €70 million package — a record outgoing transfer for the club. Confirmed by Fabrizio Romano on September 3, 2026, the deal also includes a sell-on clause, giving Arsenal a continued financial interest in the Brazilian winger’s future.
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How the Deal Was Done
By August 24, talks between Arsenal and Al Hilal had reached an advanced stage, with a fee of around £50 million to £55 million initially discussed. Martinelli had also turned down an approach from Turkish side Galatasaray during the window before giving the green light to the Al Hilal move on August 28.
The final package settled at €70 million — a fixed fee of £60 million with Al Hilal paying the remainder in add-ons. As part of the agreement, Arsenal will retain a sell-on clause to the tune of 20% of any future profit, giving the Gunners continued financial interest in one of their most successful academy-era investments.
Martinelli was not included in Arsenal’s matchday squad for their opening Premier League matches against Coventry City and Aston Villa, making the timing of his departure cleaner for all parties involved.
Player Profile
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Gabriel Silva Martinelli |
| Date of Birth | June 18, 2001 |
| Age | 25 |
| Nationality | Brazilian |
| Place of Birth | Guarulhos, Brazil |
| Position | Left Winger / Forward |
| Height | 1.80m (5ft 11in) |
| Joined Arsenal | July 2019 (from Ituano) |
| Arsenal Fee Paid | £6 Million |
| Arsenal Appearances | 278 |
| Arsenal Goals | 62 |
| Brazil Senior Caps | 27 |
| Market Value | €60 Million |
Seven Years at Arsenal: A Legacy Defined
Martinelli joined Arsenal from Brazilian fourth-tier side Ituano in July 2019 as an 18-year-old, for a fee of just £6 million. Few could have predicted then what he would become — a cornerstone of Mikel Arteta’s rebuild, a Premier League champion, and now Arsenal’s most expensive ever outgoing transfer.
He made 278 appearances for the Gunners, scoring 62 goals — and played a central role in their 2020 FA Cup triumph, their 2023 Community Shield victory, and most critically, Arsenal’s first Premier League title in 22 years last season.
Martinelli at Arsenal: Season by Season
| Season | Apps | Goals | Assists | Notable |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019/20 | 26 | 10 | 2 | Breakthrough Season |
| 2020/21 | 29 | 4 | 3 | FA Cup Winner |
| 2021/22 | 36 | 6 | 4 | Arsenal’s Renaissance |
| 2022/23 | 42 | 15 | 8 | Breakout Star |
| 2023/24 | 40 | 9 | 7 | Title Contender |
| 2024/25 | 53 | 11 | 7 | Premier League Champion |
| 2025/26 | 2 | 0 | 0 | Transferred Out |
| Total | 278 | 62 | — | Record Sale |
Arsenal’s Record Outgoing Transfers
Martinelli’s departure breaks the previous record outgoing transfer for Arsenal, eclipsing Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain’s £35 million exit to Liverpool in 2017.
| # | Player | Destination | Fee | Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Gabriel Martinelli | Al Hilal | £60m (€70m) | 2026 |
| 2 | Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain | Liverpool | £35m | 2017 |
| 3 | Leandro Trossard | Beşiktaş | Undisclosed | 2026 |
What It Means for Arsenal
Martinelli’s departure, alongside the earlier sale of Leandro Trossard to Beşiktaş, leaves Arsenal significantly light on the left wing. Arsenal signed Greek winger Christos Tzolis from Club Brugge earlier this summer, who has started the club’s opening Premier League matches. There are concerns that the exits of Martinelli and Trossard could leave Arsenal short of personnel in that part of the pitch.
Eberechi Eze has been utilised as a left winger in their Premier League opener against Coventry City, suggesting Arteta will use a hybrid solution before the January window.
Martinelli’s Honours at Arsenal
| Trophy | Year |
|---|---|
| FA Cup | 2020 |
| Community Shield | 2023 |
| Premier League | 2025 |
What Al Hilal Gets
Martinelli joins an Al Hilal squad that is currently joint-top of the Saudi Pro League with a 100% record after four games of the 2026-27 season. He will join fellow Premier League export Ollie Watkins at Al Hilal, after the England striker left Aston Villa in a deal worth an estimated £51 million.
Al Hilal have signed Martinelli on a four-year contract — meaning he is committed to Saudi Arabia until 2030.
Martinelli’s International Career
Martinelli has earned 27 Brazil caps and played at two FIFA World Cups, the Copa America, and the Olympics. He scored in Brazil’s Round of 16 match at the 2026 FIFA World Cup held in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Read More: The 2026 Free Agent XI: From Benzema to Carvajal, Football’s Most Stacked Unsigned Squad
FAQs
How much did Al Hilal pay for Gabriel Martinelli?
Al Hilal agreed a €70 million package for Martinelli — a fixed fee of £60 million with additional add-ons. The deal also includes a sell-on clause worth 20% of any future profit, retained by Arsenal.
Is Martinelli’s transfer Arsenal’s biggest ever sale?
Yes. The €70 million package makes Martinelli Arsenal’s most expensive outgoing transfer in the club’s history, eclipsing Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain’s £35 million move to Liverpool in 2017.
How long is Martinelli’s contract at Al Hilal?
Martinelli has signed a four-year deal with Al Hilal, tying him to the Saudi Pro League club until 2030.
What did Martinelli achieve at Arsenal?
In 278 appearances for Arsenal, Martinelli scored 62 goals and was part of three trophy-winning squads — the 2020 FA Cup, the 2023 Community Shield, and the 2024-25 Premier League title, which was Arsenal’s first league championship since 2004.
Who will replace Martinelli at Arsenal?
Arsenal signed Greek winger Christos Tzolis from Club Brugge earlier this summer as cover on the left flank. With both Martinelli and Trossard having departed, Tzolis and Eberechi Eze are expected to share responsibilities in that position for the foreseeable future.
