Brazil forward Martinelli leaves Arsenal for Saudi Pro League team Al-Hilal
Brazilian footballer Gabriel Martinelli has left Arsenal to join Saudi Pro League team Al-Hilal. This move comes after a seven-year tenure at the English club.
Arsenal confirmed the transfer on social media platform X, expressing gratitude to Martinelli and wishing him well in his new career. The fee for the deal has been reported as 60 million pounds ($81.2 million), making it the most lucrative transfer departure for the 25-year-old Martinelli.
This departure leaves Arsenal exposed in their left-sided defence. Martinelli's departure follows the sale of fellow left-sided forward Leandro Trossard to Besiktas last month. The Gunners have since signed Christos Tzolis from Club Brugge, but they believe England duo Noni Madueke and Bukayo Saka can also play effectively on that flank.
Eberechi Eze will play more as a left-sided forward this season. Former Arsenal player Ian Wright suggested that Martinelli's treatment left him feeling "uncomfortable" and deserved "more respect".
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