Record sale – Arsenal nets up to €135 million for Martinelli

The transfer of Gabriel Martinelli from FC Arsenal to Saudi club Al‑Hilal was officially announced on Thursday and is reported with a total financial package of £60 million, €65 million or even $135 million. The Londoners thus receive the highest sum to date, surpassing the previous record held by Alex Oxlade‑Chamberlain.

Financial motives and record status

The deal represents a record sale for the Gunners. According to various sources, the previous sale of Alex Oxlade‑Chamberlain was £35 million, €38 million or £40 million, so the current amount far exceeds the previous highest value. Arsenal sees the proceeds as an opportunity to strengthen the balance sheet and invest in new players.

Martinelli's contribution to Arsenal

The Brazilian forward has made 278 competitive appearances for the London club since the summer of 2019, scoring 62 goals and providing 36 assists. He won the Premier‑League in the previous season, the FA Cup in 2020 and the Community Shield in 2023. His market value has risen significantly from the roughly €7 million he cost Ituano FC at the time.

Limited playing time at the start of the season, his omission from the squad for the Community Shield and the Premier‑League opener led to talks with manager Mikel Arteta. Ian Wright publicly criticised the treatment of the winger, which reinforced the desire for a move. Martinelli had previously turned down interest from Galatasaray.

Martinelli for €65 million: the richest sale in Gunners' history

At Al‑Hilal he will wear the number 7 shirt and joins teammate Ollie Watkins, who also came from the Premier‑League. The Saudi club offers him a salary of over $23 million plus possible bonuses. The contract includes a sell‑on clause, a European release clause and a penalty clause until 2030, which would trigger additional costs in the event of a return transfer.

“Gabriel Martinelli has joined Saudi Pro League side Al‑Hilal on a permanent transfer”, Arsenal said on Thursday. In the farewell message it read: “Everyone at Arsenal would like to thank Gabi for his service to the club and wish him and his family all the best for the future.”

The sale provides Arsenal with an impressive sum that far exceeds the original investment of roughly €7 million at his arrival and strengthens the club financially for future signings.