Gabriel Martinelli has transferred to Al Hilal in a club-record £60 million deal for Arsenal.
The agreement, which incorporates a sell‑on clause, exceeds the £40 million Arsenal received for Alex Oxlade‑Chamberlain when he moved to Liverpool in summer 2017.
Having arrived at Arsenal at age 18 from Brazilian side Ituano, Martinelli’s departure represents a pure profit on the club’s books.
Martinelli’s switch to Saudi Arabia follows his rejection of an approach from Galatasaray earlier this summer.
The Turkish club had tabled an offer of roughly £38.9 million, but Martinelli was uninterested in relocating to Turkey at this time.
The 25‑year‑old’s departure pushes Arsenal’s summer transfer income past the £120 million mark.
Martinelli signed for the Gunners in 2019 and went on to make 191 Premier League appearances, netting 41 goals and contributing 24 assists.
Last season he featured in 30 league matches as Arsenal ended their 22‑year wait for a Premier League title, yet only 11 of those outings were starts—the fewest since the 2020/21 campaign.
Arsenal also bolstered their left flank with the acquisition of Christos Tzolis from Club Brugge, who started in the opening‑day win over Coventry, leaving Martinelli out of the matchday squad.
More to follow…