Arsenal confirmed on September 3, 2026, that forward Gabriel Martinelli has completed a transfer to Saudi Arabian club Al-Hilal for an initial fee of £60 million, with the deal including a sell-on clause that could provide additional future compensation to the north London club.
The Brazilian forward, who joined Arsenal from Ituano in 2019, had seen his playing time diminish during the 2026 season, falling behind other attacking options in manager Mikel Arteta’s squad. Arsenal’s official statement acknowledged Martinelli’s contributions during his seven-year tenure while confirming the transfer had been finalized.
Al-Hilal, the most successful club in Saudi Pro League history, has been among the most active buyers in recent international transfer windows, adding marquee European talent to bolster their squad for domestic and continental competitions.
The departure follows Gabriel Jesus’s exit from Arsenal earlier in 2026, marking another significant change in the club’s attacking lineup as they seek to refresh their roster for upcoming campaigns.
What Happened
Martinelli’s transfer to Al-Hilal was completed after weeks of negotiations between Arsenal, the Saudi club, and the player’s representatives. The £60 million fee represents one of the higher transfer fees paid by a Saudi Pro League side for a European-based player in 2026.
The agreement includes a sell-on clause, which would entitle Arsenal to a percentage of any future transfer fee should Martinelli leave Al-Hilal during the contract period. Such clauses have become increasingly common in high-value international transfers involving European clubs.
During his time at Arsenal, Martinelli made 247 appearances across all competitions, scoring 61 goals and providing 47 assists. His most productive seasons came between 2021 and 2024, when he established himself as a key winger in Arteta’s system. However, increased competition for attacking positions and tactical shifts in the 2026 season limited his opportunities to around 12 starts in all competitions.
Al-Hilal’s sporting director confirmed the signing in a club statement, describing Martinelli as a player who “embodies the quality and ambition we are building here.” The Saudi champions have invested heavily in European talent since 2023, with signings including several players from top-tier leagues.
Why It Matters
The transfer reflects the growing financial influence of Saudi Arabian clubs in global football. Since the Saudi Public Investment Fund began investing in domestic clubs, the Saudi Pro League has emerged as a destination for established European players seeking new challenges and lucrative contracts.
For Arsenal, the £60 million fee provides substantial funds to reinvest in the squad, particularly in areas identified as needing reinforcement. The club has been linked with several potential signings ahead of the January 2027 transfer window, with particular focus on strengthening central midfield and defense.
The inclusion of a sell-on clause demonstrates Arsenal’s strategic approach to player sales, ensuring continued financial benefit from transfers involving players developed through their academy or acquired at relatively low cost.
Martinelli’s departure also signals a shift in Arsenal’s attacking philosophy. The club has increasingly relied on younger players and recent signings, suggesting a broader rebuilding phase under Arteta’s leadership as they aim to compete consistently at the highest level of European football.
Background and Context
Martinelli joined Arsenal in July 2019 from Brazilian club Ituano for an undisclosed fee reported to be around £6 million. His early years at the club were marked by impressive performances in limited appearances, earning praise for his pace, work rate, and technical ability.
The winger became a regular starter during the 2021-22 season, contributing to Arsenal’s return to Champions League football. His peak period included memorable performances against teams like Manchester City and Liverpool, where his pressing and direct running caused significant problems for opposition defenses.
However, the arrival of additional attacking talent and tactical evolution under Arteta meant Martinelli’s role gradually reduced. The emergence of players like Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli (no relation), and new signings created intense competition for positions in the final third.
Al-Hilal’s pursuit of European talent has accelerated since 2024, with the club spending over £400 million on international signings. Their strategy focuses on combining experienced European players with emerging local talent to compete more effectively in AFC Champions League competitions.
The Saudi Pro League has attracted attention from FIFA and other football governing bodies due to the volume and value of international transfers. Several European leagues have expressed concerns about the impact of these transfers on competitive balance and player development pathways.
What to Watch Next
Arsenal’s use of the transfer fee will be closely monitored by fans and analysts. The club has indicated plans to strengthen multiple positions, with particular emphasis on adding depth to the midfield and potentially securing a new central defender before the January window closes.
Martinelli’s adaptation to life in Saudi Arabia and the Saudi Pro League will be another key storyline. The league has attracted former Premier League players who have struggled with the transition, raising questions about whether established European professionals can maintain their performance levels in a different football environment.
Al-Hilal’s performance in domestic and continental competitions during the 2026-27 season will provide early indicators of whether their investment strategy continues to deliver results. The club has won the AFC Champions League twice since 2022, but maintaining that success requires consistent performances from high-profile signings.
The broader implications for European clubs selling to Saudi Arabian teams may influence transfer market dynamics in 2027. If the trend continues, it could reshape how European clubs approach player valuation and squad planning.
FIFA’s ongoing review of international transfer regulations may also impact future movements between Europe and the Middle East. Proposed changes to work permit rules and transfer fee structures could alter the economics that have enabled Saudi clubs to attract European talent.
Conclusion
Gabriel Martinelli’s transfer to Al-Hilal for £60 million represents both an individual career transition and a continuation of broader trends reshaping global football. For Arsenal, the sale provides financial flexibility and reflects the reality of squad evolution under long-term manager Mikel Arteta.
The inclusion of a sell-on clause ensures Arsenal retains a stake in Martinelli’s future development, demonstrating a measured approach to player sales that balances immediate financial needs with long-term strategic planning.
As Saudi Arabian clubs continue investing in European talent, the football landscape becomes increasingly interconnected, with traditional power structures facing new competition for players, resources, and global influence.
Martinelli’s success at Al-Hilal will depend on his ability to adapt to a new league, culture, and style of play. His performances will be scrutinized not only by Saudi football supporters but also by European observers tracking the effectiveness of the region’s ambitious recruitment strategy.
The transfer window remains active, with several European clubs reportedly exploring similar moves to the Middle East. Whether this represents a temporary market phenomenon or a permanent shift in global football economics will become clearer in the months ahead.
Sources:
– https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/sep/03/gabriel-martinelli-leaves-arsenal-al-hilal
Source: Guardian International
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Story synopsis gathered from: Guardian International — source
