Arsenal’s Martinelli joins Al-Hilal in £60m move

Arsenal striker Gabriel Martinelli has transferred to Saudi Pro League club Al-Hilal for a record £60m fee. The 25-year-old Brazilian international concludes a seven-year spell at north London club Arsenal. Martinelli signed a four-year contract with the Saudi side, who currently sit atop the league alongside Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr.

Martinelli joined Arsenal from Brazilian club Ituano in 2019, with twelve months remaining on his contract at Emirates Stadium. However, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta informed him he would not feature in the 2023/24 season. Martinelli expressed pride in joining Al-Hilal in a video posted on the club’s social media channels.

In addition to Martinelli, Dutch winger Crysencio Summerville also transferred to Al-Hilal from West Ham United this summer. Al-Hilal manager Simone Inzaghi secured the Saudi side’s return to the top-flight after their relegation from the Premier League last season.

Reports suggest that Al-Hilal's wage package for Martinelli is considerably higher than his reported £180,000 per week deal at Arsenal. He registered 53 appearances and scored 11 goals last season, contributing to Arsenal's first Premier League title since 2004. However, Martinelli was left out of Arsenal's opening two matchday squads, with manager Arteta making it clear that his place on the team would be uncertain should he stay with the Gunners.

Former Arsenal striker Ian Wright expressed discomfort with the club's handling of Martinelli, stating, "The way Martinelli is being treated, it really makes me feel uncomfortable." Despite some calls for Arsenal to facilitate a smoother departure for the player, Wright believes there should be a more respectful approach to Martinelli's exit from the club.