Arsenal have confirmed that Gabriel Martinelli has left the club to join Saudi Arabian giants Al-Hilal in a deal worth £60m, bringing an end to a seven-year stay in north London. The fee includes a sell-on clause, it is understood, meaning Arsenal retain a financial interest in any future transfer involving the Brazil forward.

The end of the road at the Emirates

Martinelli arrived at Arsenal from Brazilian side Ituano back in 2019 as an unheralded teenager, but he quickly established himself as one of the most exciting attacking players in the Premier League. His peak came in the 2022-23 campaign, when he contributed 15 Premier League goals as the Gunners mounted a memorable — if ultimately unsuccessful — title challenge.

Since then, however, his form has dipped. Despite being part of the Arsenal squad that ended the club's long wait for a league title last season, Martinelli has found himself slipping down Mikel Arteta's pecking order. With his pathway to regular first-team football increasingly blocked, a departure had been looking likely for some time, and Al-Hilal have now moved decisively to secure his signature.

A record outgoing fee for Arsenal

The £60m received for Martinelli sets a new benchmark for Arsenal in terms of outgoing transfer fees. It surpasses the £40m the club banked when Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain headed to Liverpool back in 2017 — a record that had stood for nearly a decade. The sell-on clause also ensures Arsenal could yet benefit further should Al-Hilal move the player on in future.

Jesus already gone, Martinelli follows

Martinelli becomes the second first-team forward to depart the Emirates in the current window alone. Gabriel Jesus completed a move to Barcelona earlier this week, leaving Arsenal significantly lighter in attacking options as the transfer window enters its final stages.

The noises out of the club suggest the exits are planned rather than panic sales. Arteta's squad has evolved considerably since that maiden Premier League triumph, and the arrivals of fresh attacking reinforcements appear to have pushed both Brazilian forwards down the depth chart. Whether that proves to be the right call only time will tell, but the business — bringing in £60m with a sell-on attached — is objectively strong from a commercial standpoint.

What next for Martinelli?

At 25, Martinelli heads to the Saudi Pro League at a point in his career where, for many supporters, he still had plenty to offer at the highest level. The market for Saudi clubs has continued to attract significant names, and Al-Hilal — one of the most ambitious operations in the league — have now added a player capable of real quality on his best days.

For Arsenal, the priority will be ensuring the squad remains competitive across all competitions. With the Champions League campaign continuing and a Premier League title defence under way, Arteta and sporting director Edu will need to ensure the loss of two experienced forwards does not leave the club exposed. On the surface, though, the numbers are hard to argue with — and the sell-on clause suggests the club believes Martinelli still has a higher valuation ahead of him.

Frequently asked

How much did Arsenal sell Martinelli for?
Arsenal confirmed a £60m fee for Gabriel Martinelli, making it the highest amount the club have ever received for a player they have sold, surpassing the £40m they got for Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain in 2017.
Why did Martinelli leave Arsenal?
Martinelli had fallen down the pecking order at the Emirates and was no longer guaranteed regular first-team football. Despite being part of last season's Premier League-winning squad, the Brazilian forward was unable to recapture his 2022-23 form.
Which club has Martinelli joined?
Gabriel Martinelli has joined Saudi Arabian side Al-Hilal in a deal confirmed by Arsenal. The transfer fee of £60m includes a sell-on clause in Arsenal's favour.