Al-Hilal's €65 million gamble on Martinelli tops Arsenal's record sale

Gabriel Martinelli, the 25‑year‑old Brazilian forward, is set to leave Arsenal after seven seasons as Al‑Hilal of Saudi Arabia reach a verbal agreement for a fee exceeding €65 million – roughly R$ 390 million – marking the London club’s biggest sale to date.

Deal details and contractual terms

Al‑Hilal announced on Sunday that a verbal deal with Arsenal has been reached for the striker, valued at more than €65 million and including bonuses. The information comes from journalist Fabrizio Romano, and the clubs are finalising contracts while Martinelli awaits a medical.

Martinelli has already agreed personal terms and has been given permission to travel to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. He is expected to sign a four‑year contract that runs until June 2030.

The Saudi side was chosen after Galatasaray of Turkey also expressed interest. The Turkish club reportedly offered €45 million, a bid that Arsenal rejected.

At €65 million plus, the transfer becomes Arsenal’s biggest sale ever, overtaking the £35 million received for Alex Oxlade‑Chamberlain in 2017. English media suggest the fee could rise to around €70 million.

Arsenal chase Rashford as Martinelli heads to Al‑Hilal for €65 million

Arsenal's perspective and squad changes

Martinelli fell out of favour under Mikel Arteta, losing his place to Leandro Trossard and facing competition from Greek forward Christos Tzolis, signed from Club Brugge. He was not named in Arsenal’s initial squad for the 2026/27 season.

Other departures are looming, with Gabriel Jesus linked to Barcelona for roughly €10 million, and Malcom having terminated his contract with Al‑Hilal to join Al‑Jazira in the United Arab Emirates.

Al‑Hilal's ambitions and squad build‑up

Al‑Hilal will bolster its attack alongside new signing Ollie Watkins, who also joined the club this window. The club’s aggressive recruitment underlines its intent to compete at the highest level in Asia and Europe.

Gabriel Jesus swaps Arsenal for Barcelona in €10 million deal

Martinelli arrives after a prolific Arsenal spell – 278 appearances, 62 goals and 34 assists – during which he helped win the Premier League, the FA Cup and two Community Shields, and was part of the squad that ended a 22‑year league title drought.

The contrasting trajectories highlight a shift: Arsenal reshapes a squad that has lost a key forward, while Al‑Hilal secures a marquee player to accelerate its rise on the global stage.