Gabriel Martinelli Transferred to Al-Hilal for £60 Million
The record-breaking sale concludes the Brazilian forward's seven-year tenure with Arsenal in London.
Updated on Sept. 24, 2026 in Soccer
Live Poll
Would you prefer a player remain in a top league or seek a higher salary elsewhere?
Gabriel Martinelli completed his transfer from Arsenal to Al-Hilal in the summer of 2026 for a fee of £60 million. The move marks the largest sale in Arsenal history following the player's successful seven-year period with the club.
Why it matters
Martinelli and Arsenal mutually determined it was the right time for a change as the 25-year-old sought a significant shift in scenery. The transfer follows his pivotal role in helping the club secure the 2025-26 Premier League title.
Martinelli recorded over 200 appearances for Arsenal and contributed 11 goals during the 2025-26 campaign. His new contract with Al-Hilal spans four years, keeping him in Saudi Arabia until he reaches age 29.
The players
Gabriel Martinelli
He is a 25-year-old Brazilian forward who spent seven seasons at Arsenal before moving to the Saudi Pro League.
Arsenal
This is a professional football club based in North London that competes in the Premier League.
Al-Hilal
This is a professional football club based in Saudi Arabia that competes in the Saudi Pro League.
The details
Martinelli rejected multiple offers from clubs across England, Italy, and Germany before deciding to join the Saudi Arabian side. He leaves North London after a highly productive tenure that included a hat-trick against Al-Taawoun.
Timeline
Martinelli joined Arsenal from Ituano in 2019.
Martinelli helped Arsenal win the Premier League title in the 2025-26 season.
Martinelli completed his transfer to Al-Hilal in the summer of 2026.
Season Trajectory
Martinelli’s exit represents a significant reshuffling of Arsenal’s championship-winning squad as they look to maintain their status in the Premier League. The departure opens a major vacancy in the starting rotation for the upcoming season.
Fantasy managers must account for the loss of a player who contributed 11 goals during his final title-winning campaign in London. The £60 million valuation resets the market expectation for Arsenal's future transfer activity regarding attacking players.
The takeaway
Martinelli’s move to Al-Hilal underscores the increasing financial gravity of the Saudi Pro League in attracting elite Premier League talent. Players reaching their mid-20s are increasingly evaluating long-term contract security in new markets against traditional European competition.
Further reading
For more on international roster changes, visit the Soccer section.
Live Poll
Would you prefer a player remain in a top league or seek a higher salary elsewhere?
