Martinelli's possible Brazil detour after record sale to Al-Hilal

The 25‑year‑old Brazilian Gabriel Martinelli, who moved from Arsenal to Al‑Hilal in the summer, is said by his agent Marcos Casseb to already want to return to Brazil. Arsenal's record sale for €70 million could thus mark a new chapter. The contract runs until he turns 29.

Financial gain for the Gunners

Arsenal received €70 million for Martinelli's departure, making it the most expensive sale in the club's history. Through the deal, around €340 000 in training compensation also flowed via the FIFA solidarity mechanism to Corinthians. The club was pleased with the additional cash influx after buying the striker for over €7 million in the summer of 2019.

Martinelli signed a four‑year contract in Saudi Arabia that runs until he turns 29.

"[…] He has there (in Saudi Arabia, note of the editor) a four‑year contract that runs until he turns 29. He truly dreams of returning and playing for Corinthians, the club he left, his great passion. He really wants to come back one day," he explained.

Until the age of 13 he played for Corinthians before moving to Ituano. The Gunners brought him in during the summer of 2019 for over €7 million. For Arsenal he made 278 appearances, scored 62 goals and provided 36 assists.

At Al‑Hilal he has so far featured four times and scored a hat‑trick. After his nomination for the World Cup he did not secure a place in the Brazil squad for friendlies against Australia and India.